HOUSING CONDITIONS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 303, 22 November 1937, Page 10

HOUSING CONDITIONS

AUCKLAND SURVEY. AMAZING REVELATIONS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Nov. 22. That 14 per cent, of the 14,532 dwelling units within the area of the survey are overcrowded as regards sleeping accommodation, and that 32 per cent, are unsatisfactory in respect of domestic equipment, are the outstanding features of the Auckland City Council’s housing survey report. Of the 10,698 buildings used for dwelling purposes about one-third are structurally unsatisfactory and 7 1-3 per cent, are deemed “unsatisfactory and repair is impracticable,” and they should be demolished. There has been a generally amazing past neglect of property. Only one-fourth of tho 14,532 dwelling units are occupied by the owners, and the vacancies represent about two per cent, of the total. A total of *‘19,878, or 23 per cent, of the population are detrimentally affected as regards domestic accommodation and equipment, and 3056, or 6 1-3 per cent., as regards overcrowded sleeping quarters. There are 118 detached out-houses in backyards being used as dwellings contrary to the by-laws, and sharing of sanitary equipment to the extent of upwards of 20 persons is not rare in the city.

The engineer, Mr J. Tyler, states in his report that it is difficult to say what action the council can take under its present powers, to rectify certain features of ihe position. It is understod, however, that the Government intends to enact housing legislation based, on surveys throughout the Dominion, and in the meantime it would be advisable rigidly to enforce a zoning scheme and the bylaws. . . , , Mr Tyler states it is probably sate to observe that there is sufficient repair. work to keep all the building trade workers in the city in constant employment for some years.