ARREARS IN RENT

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 70, 15 December 1932, Page 11

ARREARS IN RENT

• i < Householder on Relief ; DISCUSSION BY BENCH ’ I Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, Dee. 14. The position of relief workers who ; are in arrears with their rent was dis- ' cussed by tbe Bench and counsel in the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court ; yesterday, when Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., . was confronted with an application for an order for possession of a house. It was revealed that defendant, a relief ' worker was twelve months behind in < his rent and was owing an amount of ' £46. His Worship said that the case was undoubtedly a hard one, but if a man was twelve months behind, tbe land- : lord was entitled to an order for pos- ; session. “If I say no relief worker is to be . turned out no matter whether he is one or two years behind, what will be the position?” asked the magistrate. Counsel for defendant stated that if relief wages were to become a standard in the community, rent would hare to come down to that level. The Magistrate: That is a matter for landlords or tbe Legislature. I recog-ul-j tbe hardship in this case. Counsel explained that defendant, had paid something each month in reduction of tbe amount owing. He had five children to keep. His Worship: One recognises there are honest people among tbe unemployed, but there are also a number of dishonest people. Counsel for plaintiff, the owner of the house, said he was quite satisfied that tbe defendant had done his best. The Magistrate: But he cannot have i paid enough to meet the owner’s outgoings. j His 'Worship said that the owner was ! entitled to au order, but he would make it as easy as lie could for defend- ; ant. Possession would have la be given l by one month. Judgment for £2O only ■ of tbe arrears was asked for and granti ■ 1