Rent Reductions

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5618, 6 April 1931, Page 6

Rent Reductions

To the Editor. Sir, —Will you allow mo a little space in your valuable paper to ventilate a grievance regarding the rent question in this city? Mr. Oram, and later Mr. Forbes, said rents had come down, but I cannot find anyone who can prove it. A while ago the property owners here called a meeting and later formed an association to look after, their interests. Now, sir, would it not be quite in order for all rent-payers to arrange a meeting and do likewise? I shall be glad if Mr. Oram can tell me where rents have been reduced. I spent two weeks trying to get a house cheap for a family, and they are now paying 32/(5 for a very poor house. Seeing that Mr. Oram is a solicitor, can ho tell mo whether there is a Rent Restriction Act in force? If there is, why is it that houses costing £3OO 20 to 30 years ago, and let at 30/- ever since, should still be allowed to charge 30/-, seeing that many of these houses have been paid for twice over and more. I am sure there are hundreds of such houses in Palmerston North—in fact, whole streets of them. I have the misfortune to live in one and pay 30/-. My landlady refuses to reduco the rent. I have to keep a family of seven. I get four days per week under the No. 5 scheme, and with a reduction of 10 per cent my wages will amount to £2 10/- per week. After paying rent I will have £1 to carry on household expenses. I shall be delighted if Mr. Oram, or anyone else, can tell mo how my family are going to live on this sum. Further, all work under No. 5 scheme is being suspended for two weeks, which will leave hundreds in desperate straits. Most business people are reducing prices, which I appreciate, and as rent is the worst bugbear tho workers have to contend with, landlords should fail into line as well.—l am, etc., WORKER.