Packing Case Houses

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 64, 17 March 1938, Page 12

Packing Case Houses

UNSATISFACTORY CONDITIONS AT SEASIDE BOROUGH Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. Dwellings built of packing cases and flattened out kerosene tins were included in those reported on in the final report on housing survey in New Brighton received at a meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council. The report, made by the housing investigator, Mr. J. D. Hicks, showed that only half of the total number of 1737 houses in the borough could be classed as satisfactory. Eighty-two of them, or about 4-1 per cent., were classified for demolition. The 1737 houses were made up of 1777 dwelling units, of which 1640 were private dwellings. Approximately half the dwellings were found to be satisfactory, the report stated. The percentage sub-standard dwellings was unsatistory but repairable. It was not as high as could be expected considering that hundreds of these dwellings were originally intended only for week-end and summer use and not as they were found to-day for permanent dwellings. “In the many cases where there is almost an entire lack of conveniences, the occupants cannot have a rosy time, being without water on the premises, lacking sinks, baths, lavatories, basins, washtubs, and drainage,” Mr. Hicks states. “Usually the conveniences are electric light and an open fireplace or a tiny stove for heating and cooking.” Endorsement of the suggestion that it would be a good thing if a certificate of fitness were made compulsory whenever houses were being let was expressed by Mr. Hicks. Possibly, he said, that was the only sure method of ensuring that every family which was compelled by force of circumstances to live in a rented house would have conveniences and conditions necessary for decency and comfort.