RENT RESTRICTIONS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 1274, 16 July 1925, Page 5

RENT RESTRICTIONS

Cabinet Considering Re-enactment “ACT HAS NOT DONE ANY GOOD,” SAYS MINISTER. [From Our Parliamentary WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Minister of Labour (Mr. Anderson) stated in the House to-day that the re-enactment of the rent restriction legislation was being considered by Cabinet and a Bill would be introduced as soon as it was ready. "I don’t think the Rent Restriction Act has done any good for the last two or tbree years,’’ said Mr. Anderson. “In fact, I believe it has done harm in this way, that it has prevented the extraordinary character who builds houses for renting, from operating. I am aero no member of this House would build houses to rent. The man who does that must necessarily bo very severe in his methods if he is to make any money. The result of the legislation is that all people who are building houses arc building for themselves and that is a very tine system. If it were not for the Rent Restriction Act, I am satisfied that men would build a lot more houses for renting purposes, but if we don’t re-enact tho legislation, there will bo a certain amount of hardship. I think I can safely say It will bo re-enactod.”

Mr. Anderson said if ho were returned to the house and again appointed Minister of Housing;, ho would repeal the act. Mr. P. Fraser: "So that builders should bo aware that the rent restriction legislation did not apply to houses built since 1920.” "They are frightened that it will bo made to apply,” said Mr. Anderson.