OVERCROWDED DWELLING.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 March 1938, Page 4

OVERCROWDED DWELLING.

UNSATISFACTORY CONDITIONS ALLEGED. BOROUGH COUNCIL'S ACTION. Allegations of overcrowding and unhealthy living conditions in one particular building in the borough, which is being used as a dwelling, were made at the monthly meeting of the Levin Borough Council on Monday evening. It was pointed out that the health inspector had no power by statute or regulation to order the dwelling to be vacated, unless other quarters were found for the occupants. However, if the allegations made ai'e correct, there must be some way of overcoming the difficulty, for no legislature, unless completely idiotic, would allow suck conditions to exist in any community. One member of the council said that he had seen some of the occupants sleeping on the pavement, where they had taken mattresses for the purpose.

It was mentioned by a further speaker that if another dwelling could be obtained it would be possible to have the present quarters vacated. However, it was impossible to get a closing order if the occupants had nowhere to go.

Anotker councillor said there was something very much wrong if overcrowding could not be controlled better than in the quarter under discussion. There were at least twenty people in a small building, which was very bad for the' health of the town. Furthermore, nuisances were being committed which should be stopped. The question Avas asked why the council contributed to the health service if it could not secure better treatment, while another member described the conditions existing as "a shocking state of affairs."

The council finally resolved that the local officer of the Health Department be urged to take immediate steps to close these living qaurters, as it was against the interests of public health to allow the present conditions to continue. The mover of the motion -commented that "it Avas a filthy state of affairs and the council should take a stand."