HOUSE PROBLEMS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25208, 12 June 1947, Page 8

HOUSE PROBLEMS

REPORT TO LABOUR CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED (PA.I WELLINGTON,. June 11. On the recommendation of the housing committee, in a report presented by Mr M. Moohan, M.P., the Labour Party conference to-day adopted the following resolution:—“That building control be tightened up, and more severe penalties be inflicted for breaches of the regulations, and that local committees be appointed to supervise and recommend on the issue of building permits.” Another recommendation from the committee was that the Government investigate the question of goodwill, with particular reference to the goodwill of hotels.

In not supporting a remit which suggested that sales of property by auction be abolished, the committee recommended that a ceiling price be fixed before a sale is made.

The committee favoured a continuance of the building of houses by trainees, and reported that an investigation df the supply, manufacture, and distribution of building materials was already in hand. A remit suggesting that any land agent convicted of a breach of the Land Sales Act be delicensed was adopted. Speaking on the report, Mr Moohan said that the present penalty for breaches of the building regulations was a fine of £2OO (maximum) or 12 months’ imprisonment, or both, in the case of an individual; or a fine of up to £lOOO in the case of a company. “I think that the first magistrate who sends anyone committing a serious breach to gaol should be made a viscount,” said Mr Moohan. The Minister of Rehabilitation (Mr C. F. Skinner), referring to a remit dealing with rehabilitation trainees, said the policy of the department was to encourage co-operative building by fully trained trainees, with financial assistance from the Department for the ourchase of equipment. Instructors had been requested to discuss this aspect of the building trades with trainees about to complete their course. Already a good number of co-operative schemes were in operation. More than 1000 houses were built by trainees alone last year. The number was continuing to increase. State Houses

The Minister of Works (Mr R. Semple), in a short address, said New' Zealand had built more State houses of a superior type on a population basis than any other country in the world. He had challenged the Opposition to point out any country which had done better, but they had not answered him. Mr Semple said it was hoped that the inclusion of women on the committees being set up to consider housing matters would enable the committees to co-operate closely with the Housing Department in giving the best possible service. “I know there have been abuses,” said Mr Semple, “but it is impossible for one Minister to keep his eye on everything that’s going on.” Referring to the goodwill being asked for empty premises, the Minister of Labour (Mr A. McLagan) told the conference it was completely illegal for any owner to demand payment in consideration for the occupancy of any premises. In reply to a question, Mr Moohan said that squatting was no short cut to a State house tenancy. There had to be “a fair go,” and if squatters were allowed, every State or private house would be occupied overnight. “The only way that State houses are going to continue to be allocated is on a basis of equity and justice,” said Mr Moohan. “Squatters, and those who encourage them, only create more hardships for themselves and for others. The Government will not tolerate squatting.” The report was unanimously adopted.