Housing Old Age Pensioners

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 236, 6 October 1936, Page 6

Housing Old Age Pensioners

National Scheme Suggested

USE OP PUBLIC CREDIT Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The importance of placing the needs of old age pensioners in the forefront of the Government’s national housing, scheme was emphasised by speakers at a conference between members of the Legislature and representatives of religious and benevolent organisations which was held to discuss the need for providing housing accommodation for old age pensioners in Auckland. A tentative scheme for building houses in blocks was submitted to tho conference and a resolution was adopted urging upon the Government the necessity of giving priority in the national housing scheme to providing suitable accommodation for old age pensioners and others in similar circumstances as they were the worst-housed class in the community. Hon. F. E. Lark, M.L.C., presided and among those present were Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P., members of the City Couucil, representatives of the clergy group and 40 old age pensioners belonging to tho Old People’s Fellowship.

Mr. Lark said that not very much was wanted to force a recognition of the rights of old age pensioners. He could assure those present that the old people would have first claims on the attention and work of tho Prime Minister. Tho Government wouid make every effort as far ns housing was coucerned and there need be no fear that the old people would be left out. The Prime Minister and his Camnet and every member of Parliament would guarantee to do their utmost to see that the old people would bo guaranteed shelter for tne rest of their lives. A tentative schemo for a suitable group of houses which had been submitted to tho City Council was outlined by Mr. E. Gill. Hu’ said the estimate was for 24 houses built iu blocks of three houses with a small plot of ground for each house separate from the central common garden. A central building comprising a hall amt two common rooms for men and women was also included. The total cost of building these 24 houses with a central hall in permanent material with three acres of land in a convenient suburb would be £18,032. Assuming that 24 tenants could pay a rent of 10s per week there would bo an annual revenue of £U24 which would provide £270 as a sinking fund of 1| per cent, and £354 as a maintenance and management fund of nearly 2 per cent. “It is evident that such a scheme could not bo carried out by an ordinary loan bearing interest,” said Mr. Gill. “We submit that it is a most suitable use for the national credit free of interest and chargeable to the undertaking.” Mr. Gill added that if one block was satisfactorily self-sup-porting the scheme could bo extende'’ to any limit found possible.