HOUSING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 1 August 1924, Page 5

HOUSING.

MR. HAWKEN’S VIEWS. LABOUR MEMBERS OBJECT. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) . WELLINGTON, July 31. Mr 0. J. Hawken, member lor Egmont, has views on housing liwh do not appeal to Labour menioers of the’ House. “It is contended, : Pe remarked in the House last night, “that it is the dnty of the Government to provide money for housing to settlers.” A Labour voice: “And so it is.” Mr Hawken said it was impossible to go on providing huge sums of money for one of .two purposes without starving something else which might be more profitable to the country. It was said that agriculture was starving. Liberal members : “So it is.” “If you are going to provide £4,000,00 or £5,000,000 every year for housing, it is going to be a poor look out for education and agriculture,” replied Mr Hawken. “You cannot have it both ways. It is' unfortunate that the feeling is growing, prompted very largely by members of Parliament, that it is not necessary for people to save up to, provide their own houses.” 'Mr McKeen: “What nonsense!” Mr Hawken : ‘‘lf you provide money in plenty I lie lie ve it will tell, against the thrift of the people.” Some schemes should lie formulated to cause young people to buy their own homes and thus save rent. “I am astisfied,” ha said, “that our system is encouraging people to think when they want a home that all they have to do is to go to the Government and demand it.” Mr Hawken then acknowledged that housing was aii absolute necessity, and that everyone should have a . house of his own. Mr Monteith: “You have learned something.” Mr Hawken: “There are many ways in which yon can spend moneiy which will he reproductive.” ■ Mr Parry. “We don’t want sheds.”