COMMANDEER OF VACANT HOUSES

Evening Star, Issue 17581, 9 February 1921, Page 8

COMMANDEER OF VACANT HOUSES

DRASTIC SYSTEM EKCOMMENIHSIX The question of the canunandHxmg of vacant premises for residential purposed is dealt with from two aspects in resolutions passed by the Council of the National Federation of Building Trade Operatives and the Property Owners’ Protection Association (says an Issue of the Yorkshire ‘Observer’ just to hand). In the case of the National Federation of Building Trade Operatives the council’s resolution expresses the opinion, ■'that, by a drastic system of commandeering of vacant dwellings similar to that adopted by the Government during the war, and with a. proper system of rationing for the same, file immediate needs of many families for housing accommodation would be met, and a direct result would be tho relieving cf the pressure on building trades at the present time.” At tlie earno time council has entered an emphatic protest against the inadequate proposals embodied in the General Powers Rill before the House of Commons in tho pressent session. The resolution of tho Property Owners’ Association, passed unanimously at a meet ing, views “ with alarm the altitude of a certain section of the public in forcibly taking possession of vacant buildings,” and urges the Government to prevent such possibilities. This resolution had reference to the action of an ex-soldier named Wayland, who look possession of Reigate Lodge, a large empty manor, belonging to the Reigate Corporation. Having unloaded two vans of furniture unknown to the authorities, Wayland allocated to himself Ilia rooms he required for himself, his wife, and his seven children, and then called on tho town clerk to know what rent he would be expected to pay. It is expected (says the journal) that other ex-service men and their families will join Wayland in tho occupation of Reigate Lodge.