RENTPAYERS' LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 226, 18 June 1920, Page 8

RENTPAYERS' LEAGUE

INFORMATION BUREAU

PROPOSED

"DIRECT ACTION" AGAINST THE

LANDLORDS

The Bentpayers' Protection Association, lfhich was formed- in Wellington ?ast week, met at the Trades Hali last niglit to consider draft rules and other business. Mr. L. Glover presided, and about fifty persons were present, including a largo proportion of women. The draft rules provided for a small .entrance fee and an annual subscription. The organisation was to bo for the mutual protection and benefit of members, and its functions would. include the opening of a bureau of information for the uho of members who . had difficulties with their landlords. / < The meeting decided that the namo should be tho "New. Zealand Beatpayors' Protection League." The entrance fee was fixed at 25., and the minimum annual contribution at 2j. 6d. Tho draft rules were approved, f The following officers were elected:President, Mr. 11. Sproulo; vice-prosident, Mrs.' Catlow; secretary and treasurer, Mr. Dyson; committee, Messrs. Howitt, WaEace, Cowley, Hoy, and T. Brindlo. Mr. Glover said'that tho next movo would bo the enrolment of members. Many hundreds of tenants in Wellington had grievances of tho kind that the leaguo was intended to handle. Mr. P. Fraser, M.P., suggested that the executive should study a plan of campaign, and acquaint itself with the legist lation relatinj to housing. A demand must be made for the extension and im-provement-of the present inadequate protection afforded to tenants, lie mentioned that two pickets had been engaged that afternoon protecting a family threatened with forcible eviction rt Ptlono, The business of the league would be to act in such cases. When a family was threatened with oviction, the members of the league should go to the limisO and make such a demonstration of strength that the bailiffs would be tin. able to act. The president stated that % executivo ifould get busy at once. He invited communications from persons v.-ho needed legal advice regarding ques.ions of tenancy. Too many tenancy cases had been undefended, and the Magistrates then had no option but to make-orders for possession. He' noticed that landlords were a'armed already. One of them had said that it was now "no fun owing a house." The league did not want landlords to get any fun out of their operations. He believed the league could bring action for trespass .against prospeotivß purchasers who locker] through houses, without tho consent of the tenancs. If the Jeaguo did its work thoroughly, the value of property would- be brought down m Wellington,, and tho operations of . the profiteers would bo checked, to the great advantage of tenants. The league wanted to hear of all moves against tenants. Jlr. J. Roberts said the league needed a big membership, .which would be a big clul) in the fight against the landlords. All the legislation required would he passed by Parliament if the league bad enough members. Mr. W. Parker moved that it should be an instruction to the executive .to "go in for direct action." The workers of the world were finding that if they fought they got what they wanted; if thw went to any tribunal 6et up by the capitalist class,, they got very little. He suggested 'that the rents of members of the league 6hould be paid to tho league. One-quarter could then be handed landlord and the balance used_ to renovate the old shacks" and makinjr them fit for occupation. Mr. P. Frasor. M.P.. seconded the motion. He had advised people to refuse to pay rent until their houses were mado habitable. Tho league should help tenants in thosa cases. He mentioned a house which had a broken window. Tho property was in the hands of ail insurance compauy, .which' was not willing to mend the window. If the tenant in such a case paid his rent to. the league, to be held until tho repair was effected, some good -might result. Unless the league did something big and dramatic, it would not get the housing problem solved. Three or four hundred leaguo members should attend an intended eviction, and dare the representatives of the landlords to come on. Mr. Eoberts said the tenants must fight. The league must demand better houses for the people and stop the trafficking in houses.- An aggrieved tenant should pay his rent to the president of the league, and then tho tenant and the president could discuss terms with the landlord. At present hundreds of landlords were painting their old houses for sale at inflated prices. The motion was carried. Tho meeting proceeded to tho enrolment of members.