JUSTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 69, 18 September 1937, Page 8

JUSTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS

(To the Editor.)

Sir,— Immediately after the election Mr. Savage made a speech. It was a good speech, uttered with all sincerity, and it created a feeling of confidence and security among all sections of the people. Among, other things he said "No one has anything to fear— every one will be treated fairly." Many months have passed since that promise was made, but can it be said now, that the property owners of this country are being treated fairly under the provisions of the "Fair Rents Act"? It must be remembered that a very large percentage of the owners of property are old colonists and elderly, retired people, with small fixed incomes, and that they are the one class who are getting no share in the returned prosperity of the community. In fact, the more prosperous other people become, the worse off they are. High wages and short hours mean nothing to them, except as they increase the cost of living, rates, and repairs. In many cases the rent of one house represents their sole income, and that house their life's savings. Mr. Savage says, that the "Fair Rents Act" will be continued, and I agree with him that it would be im-. possible to repeal the Act under present' conditions. But it could be amended. In my opinion it could be altered in a manner to do justice to both tenants and owners. A moderate increase of rental x could be allowed under the following conditions.

1. Where the rent has not been increased since the depression.

2. Where the rental value is above the rent now being paid.

3. Where the income of the tenant exceeds that of the owner.

I appeal to Mr. Savage to reconsider the clauses of the "Fair Rents Act," and ease the heavy burden imposed on many of the old, retired people of New Zealand.—l am, etc.,

OLD COLONIST.