BACK TO MAIN PRINCIPLES

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 18, 21 July 1934, Page 8

BACK TO MAIN PRINCIPLES

The thoughtful and constructive address given by Mr. N. C. Haigh on some aspects of the housing problem may prove' most .timely. Attention is being given to" housing improvement as a means of employing skilled labour and already the Unemployment Board has agreed to subsidise the construction of small dwellings. The justification for this is that the labour is available, the demand for the product is anticipated, and there is a prospect that, with a little stimulation, capital may be attracted. But this is justification from the viewpoint of the Unemployment Board, whose aim is to put men to work. Before a scheme is adopted with the primary aim of raising housing standards, other main principles must be considered. Mr. Haigh's address directed attention to main principles, and, even if some of the conclusions to be drawn from his remarks have to be revised on further examination a good purpose will have been served by the investigation. His recommendation that housing development on,a co-opera-tive plan should be encouraged is, we believe, thoroughly sound. It is desirable also that the terrace and group type of dwelling should be permitted where it is desired. Individual houses can be just as slummy as a'terrace; and the modern experience of older countries in group house-building is - worth study. Planned development also has much to commend it. A town which straggles in various directions is undoubtedly most expensive to' administer,'for all public services costmore. These and other points raised deserve the thoughtful consideration which they will no doubt receive from the committee appointed by the Town Planning Institute's meeting.