Cost Of Housing

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 284, 30 August 1945, Page 6

Cost Of Housing

Sir, —Your sub-leader in the issue of August 27 refers to the attempts which are being made in England to meet the housing problem by prefabrication, but I doubt whether it is possible to meet the situation in a similar manner in this Dominion. The materials required are so widely distributed and the cost of assembly is so heavy that it is doubtful whether much advantage would be derived by a similar process in this country. It is clear, however, that some inquiry should be instituted, and surely the Chambers of Commerce, architects, manufacturers and merchants should be able to do this themselves even if the Government fail to do so. The public in general, and the unfortunate, house hunters in particular, should be informed as to whether it. is possible to supply houses appreciably below the price ruling at. present and if not what the principal reasons arc against any reduction. We all know, of course, that sales tax is one reason. An experienced builder says the high rate of other forms of taxation, and the poor output from labour in all branches of the building trade, are further reasons. At present.day prices it. is most unlikely that private building organizations Would risk investment in houses, and the inevitable result, is that it is left to the State to do the job. If it be the ease that the Reserve Bank finds the money for State enterprise at. 1} per cent, as has been stated, the State can well afford to continue building: but is such n process sound from the point of view of the Dominion’s economy? Mr. Lefeaux has condemned the process in no uncertain way and his view appears to be correct. It tits in, of course, with the socialistic idea that the more State tenants there are, and the fewer people Who actually own their houses, the better.—l am. etc., INTERESTED. Wellington, August 27. The National Anthem

Sir, —In reference to “Kiwi's” letter last' Saturday about “God Defend New Zealand.” 1 must say I don't agree with him. We are a unit within the British Empire and proudly owe allegiance to our King ami Empire. “God Defend New Zealand” does not mention either the King or the Empire mid Ims often been sung by disloyal bodies who will not. sing "God Save the King. —I am. etc., PROUDLY LOYAL. Nelson, August 27.