SLUMS

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27675, 3 June 1955, Page 15

SLUMS

Sir,—You are to be congratulated on your Auckland slums editorial, the outspoken account of which must have shocked Christchurch citizens. You say that “Although some residential areas in Christchurch do not reach desirable minimum standards, the existence of slum conditions like those in Auckland has not been reported.” I believe Christchurch has no slum “areas,” but it has slum “units.” If a candid report of these was given in the daily press Christchurch citizens would be shocked and amazed that such conditions exist in Christchurch itself. Has Christchurch no such courageous councillors to visit our slum units and to give as outspoken a report as the Auckland councillors? Or could “The Press” send round their reporters? Then perhaps the City Council, Health Department and the Government would be jolted into enforcing health regulations and rehousing these people.—Yours, etc., R. STOCKWELL. June 2, 1955.

Sir, —I remember when it was the proud boast of our New Zealand newspapers that we had no slums. Your very saddening report (May 31) of the inspection by two Auckland city councillors of the worst parts of their city and the dreadful state in which some people are existing there shows how terribly things have altered. Occasionally similar terrible conditions are revealed in most of our main towns; and it should not be so. One wonders what has caused such a canker in this young land of opportunity, with its virile people. Could it be the monetary drain caused by two world wars, or the drinking of so much intoxicating liquors? Could neglect of duty by landlords and civic inspectors be contributing causes? Prompt and decisive action is necessary to prevent slums becoming a permanent part of our national life.— Youfcs, etc., FRED T. MILES. ‘ Ashburton, June 2, 1955.