N.Z. HOUSING REFORM

Grey River Argus, 28 July 1941, Page 7

N.Z. HOUSING REFORM

SLUMS TO BE CLEARED Government’s Bill P.A. WELLINGTON. July 26. Far-reaching proposals for slum clearance in the Dominion, were outlined to-day by ’the Minister of Housing, Hon. H. T. Armstrong. A Slum Clearance Bill, the Minister said, had gone forward to the' law draughtsmen, Mr. Armstrong said that the pill is designed to deal with existing buildings, and to lay down a certain standard for a house fit for human habitation.

Where dwellings are not up to standard, the owners would be required to bring them up to standard. Where an owner failed to do so, it could be done by the Department, and the cost could then be recovered from the rent of the houses.

Where it was impossible to bring a house up to the standard, it should be demolished.

His proposal was that there would be provision of cheap money to those landlords who were not financially able to do the necessary work themselves.

“This Bill is the result of representations made to me, mainly, by women's organisations, such as the National Council of Women in Christchurch, and other societies elsewhere in ' New Zealand,” continued Mr. Armstrong. “There is no doubt whatever about the need for such a Bill, for there are thousands of houses in New Zealand where, because the landlords will do nothing for them, the people live in hovel conditions; whereas, with an expenditure of one hundred pounds, they might be turned into suitable homes. It is not suggested that the Act should be brought into operation straight away. It can be brought into effect in certain localities —anywhere in the Dominion—by Order-in-Council at any time where it is thought advisable.”

Mr. Armstrong said the only authority he had from the Government so far was to send the Bill, which was modelled on the' lines of the English Act, which had been in force for some years, to the law draughtsmen. It would then be considered.

Work in improving houses, he said, would, among other things, find work for returned soldiers, and he could not think of any more suitable work. In addition, to a very great extent, there would be no need for importr. d materials.

The Minister added large families had to be considered, and it was his view that the position could be adjusted under family allowances, whereby exceptionally large families could be paid at a higher rate, with a certain amount to be earmarked for rent.