HOUSING PROBLEM.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9573, 26 July 1923, Page 5

HOUSING PROBLEM.

KENT RESTFICTION CONTINUANCE BILL. DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE. WELLINGTON, July 25. The House went into committee on the Rent Restriction Continuance Bill. Mr. Eraser said he hoped instead of this being a Bill v.'hieh had to bo renewed every year it should become permanent to be repealed by a special Act when that was possible. He had been going into the question of housing in the main cities and as a result he came to the conclusion that this legislation was more necessary to-day than was the ease in 1910 when it was first enacted. In reply, the Minister said this was really war legislation, and should be ■ got rid of at the earliest possible, mo- i mont. He intended having a complete investigation of the housing position made during the recess, but he had great faith in the new scheme, which the Government was now seeking to pass into law. After next year he hoped io be able to dispense with this class of legislation, as be was informed that the only cities in which it was required to-day were Auckland and Wellington. Mr. Wilford urged that the Board, which will advance the money for housing. should contain at least one builder and it 11 architect to advise upon practical technical questions connected with, housing. Mr. Massey said that, where skilled opinion was required, the arrangement was that, officers of the Public Works Department would give their services. Members continued the discussion- 1 on all phases of the housing problem until 10.15, when the short title of the Bill was passed. At clause 2. Mr. Fraser suggested that the Minister should delete certain words, the efFect of which would he to make the legislation permanent. The Minister did not accept the suggestion, but gave definite assurance that the legislation would be . continued so lomz as it was necessary. ; The Bill passed the committee stage without amendment. —P.A.