HOUSES IN DISREPAIR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 304, 23 November 1937, Page 7

HOUSES IN DISREPAIR.

LOANS TO OWNERS PROBABLE. CITY COUNCIL’S SUGGESTION. • Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Nov. 22. The possibility of advancing money to property owners at not more than 4 per cent, for the purpose of effecting improvements to dwellings which are shown by the housing survey to require renovation . and repair was mentioned in the report of the property committee to the City Council. The report stated that there was no doubt a large number of properties would be found to require a great deal of attention to bring them up to a reasonable standard for living purposes. It was also realised that many property owners would be unable to afford the cost of repairs, renovations and painting if they were required to pay for them at once, and it was suggested the Government should be requested to advance money to them at not more than 4 per cent, to carry out the work. Alternatively, the Government could lend money to the council on such terms as would enable the council to advance it to owners at 4 per cent, or under. “Should the Government approve the suggestion, hut be of opinion that the .scheme could be more readily handled through local authorities,” the report added, “it is suggested it should be requested to pass legislation authorising the council to advance money and enabling security for its repayment to be the first charge on the property.” “It is a very fine suggestion, and the chairman of the committee is to be complimented on bringing it forward,” said Hon. T. Bloodworth, M.L.C. The report was adopted.