HOUSING PROBLEM

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 5, 6 July 1921, Page 5

HOUSING PROBLEM

10 THE EDITOR. Sir, —" Landlord," in last evening's Post, makes- a feeble attempt to camouflage my statements regarding the above, published on Saturday last. However, in the first place, I am pleased to note that he cannot gather from them whether I was .speaking on behalf of owners or tenants, as surely this is an admission that they- were what I intended them to be—just au honest statement of what the position really is to-day.

'Your correspondent points out ■ that the" Government valuation is hot the selling value, and in this- I quite agree with him. I would also remind him that for the very reason that owners are endeavouring to base their rents on the selling values, and not on the Government values, as intended by the Legislature, is why so many tenants hav<^ been forced to seek some kind of protect tion. "Landlord" is well aware that this state, of affaire would not be tolerated in normal times, so why should advantage be taken simply because there is a very decided shortage of accommodation? During the war the Government took measures to. prevent profiteering in other directions, and to take advantage of the shortage of houses even now, I submit, is profiteerinsr. as same is a direct consequence of the war. "Landlord"- also fully sets out the many amended added powers granted to, Magistrates to enable them to arrive at a valuation for rent purposes, but he does not point out that same are only something extra on which owners may stress their claim to obtain the highest rent possible.

'■ Now, as regards my remarks re 'assistance being given tenants to appeal against Magisterial decisions, I would like to make it quite plain that same is required principally for cases where rents -have been fixed, because, as I pointed out, tenants have complained about owners getting the standard rent fixed on the highest possible value, and then, on subsequent actions, to_ have the 7-per-cent, question fixed, seeking depreciation. I might just mention that the association has received letters from many places outside of Wellington, asking it to giv,e this matter earnest attention. Your correspondent shows that the discretionary powers of Magistrates are very wide indeed,' so, if a tenant feels aggrieved a decision based on these wide, powers, why should lie not have an opportunity of ventilating same at an expense that he can afford? . To do bo at present a tenant would need a sum that would enable him to put up a substantial deposit on the purchase of a house, and this they have not sot. The association appreciates the careful attention and impartiality of the Magistrates in all matters brought before tnem, but, nevertheless, certain tenants have, as stated, felt aggrieved at certain decisions, and it was for such cases that ,this innovation was suggested. • ' .

"Landlord" points out that I am incorrect in stating that some owners are receiving 25.' per cent, on the capital value of their properties. Now. where did lie set his information that I was incorrect? I can show him cases where more than this is beinjr received.

As regards my remarks re the Nairnstreet property, " Landlord " has blundered badly. My remarks did not refer to the question of rent in this case, but the point I endeavoured to make was to show what awfu! overcrowding exists at the present time... I would like your correspondent to deny if he can: — . 1. That there are insufficient houses (by hundreds) to accommodate persons reauiring them.

?,■• That overcrowding exists. Z. That there are a number of houses in this city which the owners refuse to let.

In conclusion, I would just like to inform "Landlord " regarding his tip to the Rentpayers' Association that they would bp wasting their time in again appronHu'iKr Parliament, that wlion wo want his advice we will "sl< him for it— that is. if he will give us his name,-in-stead of sheltering: under a norn de plume.—l am, etc., HUPBRT SPROUkE. 4th JuJy, • ,