THE HOUSING PROBLEM

Evening Star, Issue 18158, 26 December 1922, Page 9

THE HOUSING PROBLEM

PEOPLE CALLOUS AND RESIGNED. The following report has been submitted to tho Wellington Progress League by tho secretary, Colonel Mitchell:— “As tho housing problem grows,steadily more acute in tho city the people become more callous and resigned to the conditions and, environments under which they are forced to livo and more proficient in packing, themselves closer together into rooms and tenements. Tho natural sequence is the loss of homo life, with, gU its wonderful influences for health, character, morality, love,’ truth, and all tho refining and noble influences for which homo is tho nursery. What effect this will have on. tho lives of tho ohikjjren, and ultimately the race, one cqu only imagine. “During last cession the Prime Minister promised that tho State Advances Department would .grant the money to build a house for a deserving married man on payment of £lO. This promise was wise and just, and if carried out would go far to relievo the situation. Is it to be carried out? If so, when,? , Tho State may lose a few thousands hy such a liberal advance, but, whatever tho loss, it would bo trivial in comparison with tho loss in the home life, in character, health, and contentment which we are losing to-day. The effect these conditions will have on the health of the community if some epidemic should break out must bo loit to tho medical man to advise us. “If we are honest in. our desire for the welfare of the people, for their happiness and contentment, tho , Government will solve the housing problem. by advancing the money and .directing all suitable labor and material to the building of homes. Even if the State does lose a few thousands, it will be compensated a hundredfold by a contented people.”