CHRISTCHURCH SLUMS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15567, 17 April 1916, Page 10

CHRISTCHURCH SLUMS.

j to the editor or ••thf. -press." j Sir, —On Saturday last a number of j my neighbours waited on me and drew j my attentive to the statement of the j Rev. Mr Rule, in a late issue of your ' journal, naming Kins street, as a place containing slums; also more recently a well-merited. reply by "Old Resident-." I ©ecing that Mr Rule has not replied to

that letter, I ha,vc been asked, as tho oldest resident, having resided in my own house for over 36 years, to support "Old Resident's" reply, and express my own 'views on the rev. gentleman's statement. I have much pleasure in stating that there is not, nor ever lias been, any building in the above street, nay, more, in the "whole Landridgo Block, that can in any way bo termed a slum house. As most of the residents are freeholders, the street is singularly free from such objectionable buildings. Knowing personally most of the residents in the said street and block, I can truthfully say they are of qui to a most respectable class. As my own house is nearly the oldest in King street, .1 strongly object to Mr .Rule's assumption. It is a fact that the majority of the houses are of a most modern construction. In-carrying out my duties as a canI vasser of every house in Sydenham east of Colombo street, I could not describe one residence that could termed a slum house. AVe all feel a gross injustice has been inflicted on our locality, by the Rev. Mr Rule's most unfair* statement, and while giving Mr Rule every credit for the good work he is doing in social matters. I trust he will recall his words, lest I assume that silence breeds contempt. —Yours, CtC " "WESLEY SMITH. 140 King street. Christchurch, April IGth, 191 G.