SWIFT REACTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22196, 5 December 1946, Page 4

SWIFT REACTION

HOMES FOR KIWIS SYMPATHY EXPRESSED SHORT-TERM LODGINGS The plight of -at least a small number of married Kiwi ex-servicemen, in respect of interim accommodation, seems likely to be relieved as a result of a swift reaction to discussions which took place at Monday's general meeting of the Gisborne Returned Services’ Association. it was reported to last night’s meeting oi the executive that several inquiries had been received irom houseowners wno were keen to assist these men if suitable conditions of tenancy tor spare rooms could be established. The secretary of the association, Mr. A. H. Miller, reported that the cliiet oi tne Labour Department in Gisborne naci taken up vvitn Him the question oi tenancy provisions, and nad drawn attention to legislation winch became enecuve in December, 1945, under winch special contracts could do made oetween landlord and tenant. This legislation was specifically designed to meet tne difficulties oi young married people'wno neeaea only temporary accommodation, and to encourage owners ox Houses to let portions oi tneir premises with an assurance that possession could be regained when required by tne owner. Temporary Hutment Scheme The executive received the information wnn sausiacuon. ana tne view was expressed mac more oners oi accommodation for iviwi nome-seekers snouid oe available wnen tne position was better understood by nouse-owners. The secretary s report mat inquiries had come to hano already also gave muen satisiaction to tne executive.

A report was also received from the suo-coinnnttee appointed at the November meeting oi me executive to allocate a numuer or nuunenis wmen liad been maae available through tne association xur erection on town sections under special conditions. These huts are to oe used only oy Kiwis wno nave tneir own sections and nave made arrangements lor bunding tneir homes, but wno are Held up oy material shortages. The erection or tne hutments is subject to special conditions laid down by the Gisborne Borough Council, and these conditions dennnely limit the application of the scheme. The small number of hutments available, however, represents the chief limiting factor. To date seven applicants under the scheme have met all the conditions and have been allocated their hutments, which will be occupied on peppercorn rentals and will be returnable as soon as the occupants’ own houses are ready for occupation. They will not be available for sale, and it is hoped that some of them will be returned in time to serve the needs of a successive wave of applicants.