FAIR RENTS BILL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 149, 9 June 1936, Page 9

FAIR RENTS BILL

Discussion in Legislative Council TRANSITION PERIOD By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 8. The Fair Rents Bill and the Distress and Replevin Amendment Bill were received by the Legislative Council from the House of Representatives to-day. Moving the second reading of the Fair Rents Bill, the Hon. M. Fagan said that the Government was most reluctant to introduce the legislation but had been compelled to do so because of certain circumstances. He did not believe that people had starved, but progressive poverty had developed After the election rents had started to increase and the increased rates for unemployed had been almost wholly absorbed by »the increased rents demanded. The Bill was only for one year, and quite frankly he was glad that it was for that period only. If it were for longer one would have difficulty iu defending it. There was a difficult transition period taking place, and the measure was intended to meet the position till the Government’s plans for the unemployed were in full operation. The Government was faced with two evils. It could be said that the Bill was “rough” on landlords, but on the other hand failure to legislate would leave the unemployed worker in no better position. Those who had suffered should have some breathing space. The Hon. K. Masters said he would sooner cull it a Tenants Belief Bill. He added that iu the projected housing scheme the Government was only following out the intentions of the previous Government had it been returned. Mr Masters quoted figures showing that during the last eight years rentals had dropped by 21 per cent. Following the wage reductions rentals were reduced by 20 per cent. Now, in spite of the fact that wages cuts were to be restored, rent was to be on the previous basis. The Hon. F. E. Lark said that the majority of landlords had been fair to the unemployed during the depression and that the fair laudlord had nothing to fear from the Bill. The Hon. V. A. Ward said that tdl members of the Council were imoued with the ideals expressed by the leader provided that justice was done to everybody. Those persons who had invested their savings in property could not be overlooked. Tho Hon. W. Perry said that during the transition period the property owner would be called ou to bear more than his fair share. The Bill should have been referred to the Statutes Revision Committee by reason of its technical nature. Denial cf tho .right of appeal from a magistrate’s decision would result in discrepancy in decisions. Hon. J. Allen said that he was afraid that the Bill would curb the desire of private companies or individuals to invest money in dwellings. In replying to the debate, Mr Fagan said that the housing survey made by the previous Government was being used at present by the Government. The Bill was read the second time on tho voices. The Distress and Replevin Amendment Bill was also read the second time. The Council adjourned at 4.40.