CHRISTCHURCH HOUSING

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27640, 22 April 1955, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH HOUSING

REPORT TO COUNCIL OF WOMEN SLUM DANGERS NOTED IN SOME AREAS A report on the housing situation in Christchurch was given last evening at the monthly meeting of the National Council of Women. It was based on recent first-hand observations and inquiries made by members of the council’s sub-committee of the Standing Committee on housing of the International Council of Women.

The report said that, although much building had been done in recent years, there was still a shortage of houses in Christchurch, mainly because of the high marriage rate and immigration. The committee found families living in caravan settlements, and in tenements with families each occupying only one- room. It found tjiat a threat of slum development existed in obsolete and derelict houses, in old large houses that had been turned into flats, resulting in over-crowding, and in shacks to be found at the back of houses and away from street frontages. Planning on a national and local basis, the report continued, was working on the problem. Asking its own question, “What can women do to improve conditions?” the report suggested that the National Council of Women could stimulate interest in the problem; that members could influence affiliated bodies and members of Parliament, and that more women should enter politics. A report was submitted by the council’s film sub-committee. It said that its members would try to make a survey of all films to be screened in Christchurch next month, and asked members of the council to help in this big task. Questionaires were distributed asking members to report on the artistry and moral qualities of pictures, and to consider if the films were suitable for adolescent children. j Two remits from the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Federation of University Women were discussed, and it was decided to refer them to the local executive, who would forward them to headquarters. The remits advocated reduction of the number of delegates to Dominion conferences and the raising of the subscription of the National Council sufficiently to cover future conference expenses.

Mrs W. W. Averill and Miss M. V. Kennedy submitted reports on moral delinquency. Miss K. Lovell-Smith (president) presided at the meeting.