LATEST IN HOUSING

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 111, 7 November 1923, Page 9

LATEST IN HOUSING

A SYDNEY EXPERIMENT

(FROH OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

SYDNEY, Ist November.

A novel and interesting experiment in co-operative housing is being carried put at "The Astor," the highest reinforced concrete building in Australia, situated in Macquarie street, one of tha city's most exclusive thoroughfares. The official opening by the Premier (Sir George" Fuller) took place on the roof garden, over 200 feet up from the basement. In the howling wind that blew one felt unmistakably worm-like up so high. There are 13 floors and a basement, with four homes on each floor, bridges, bordered with flowers, communicating with the different homes m case Mrs. de Jones feels inclined for a chat with her neighbour, Mrs. de Vere. The owners of these palatial homes ■ are their own landlords, and as the shareholders elect a board of directors to control the building, . each occupier of a home purchases it, taking up shares in a co-operative company for w^sum involved, ranging from £2700t0 ±-4000. The only extra charge is a sum, estimated at not more than. £2 a week, for rates, taxes, lifts, cleaning, and other services. Automatic fira alarms in each home communicate direct with the fire station. As a staunch believer tin co-operation, Sir George Fuller gave the giant building his blessing.