Nation’s "Sheet Anchor”

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 48, 26 February 1943, Page 3

Nation’s "Sheet Anchor”

THE HOME AND FAMILY LIFE OF ITS PEOPLE The Government has indicated that it intends to enter upon a largo scale provision of state dwellings and flats. This intention is open to question and criticism as to whether such a policy is in the best interests of the Dominion or the public welfare, but it can surely be agreed that it should be a Government’s policy to see that the people are satisfactorily housed, states the annual report of the New Zealand Master Builders’ Association. By entering on such a policy, it can be said that the Government is moving in tile direction of strengthening the home and family life of the people, which element must result in strengthening the social well-being which is one of the essential foundations of building up a nation. The housing shortage has become more and more acute due in part only to abnormal circumstances due to war, and due somewhat to the mistaken policy of discouraging private enterprise in building for investment. The self-contained and independent home with its own grounds, garden and privacy creates an incentive to work and strive to keep and improve one's own surrounding. As well as having the mental effect upon the citizen, it has effect upon the children who are brought up under such happy circumstances. Ownership of a home is, to the average citizen, a satisfying basis of a happy domestic and family life. It' also builds up a sense of responsibility as a citizen und ratepayer. Private enterprise in housing should be encouraged thus catering for the popular demand of people who strive to obtain freedom of choice of situation, and dwelling. Experience lias shown in many cases that people who have been forced to live a communal life react to such conditions, and their one great desire is to have homes of their own. By encouraging private enterprise in home building, the Government would be encouraging the production ol' something that would create a demand, which in turn would create competition, and thus tend to keep prices down to a minimum. In addition, it would assist in building up better citizens, which means a better nation.