CHRISTCHURCH AND WELLINGTON COMPARED

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15746, 13 November 1916, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH AND WELLINGTON COMPARED

TO THE EDITOR OP "THE PRESS." Sir, —I am a land agent, and in view of recent discussion as to cost of living, especially in Wellington, I recently compared the cost of twelve six and seven-roomed houses in Te Aro with the same number in Linwood, just exactly as they appear on my books. Tho result is as follows: —Average friae of the Wellington property £1181 3s, averprice of the Christchurch property £917 lis, or a difference in favour of the latter city of £263 12s for cach property. On top of this is the fact that the Christchurch owner has from one-third to two-thirds more land in addition to his house, and good land at that, than the Wellington man. The same proportional advantage undoubtedly exists with regard to smaller properties. My point is this, seeing the Dig margin in favour of Christchurch, and its comparatively good geographical position on the maps, it is a marvel that manufacturers do not appreciate it as they ought, and locate here, where there is unlimited room, and workers can live under the very best conditions in Australasia. We ought ourselves to appreciate the possibilities of our city more than we do, and prepare for big local developments after tne war. The more work the more workers, and I am not one of the pessimists who assert that the more workers the more worry. All that is needed is a demonstration of fair play, and there will be plenty of good workers.—Yours, etc., X.I.P.