HOMES FOR WORKERS

Northern Advocate, 15 March 1913, Page 7

HOMES FOR WORKERS

Mr. H. T. Twiss, Crown Lands Ranger for Taranaki, acting under instructions from the Lands Department paid a visit to Patea last Friday with a view to ascertaining whether there was a demand for farm workers' homes, as proposed by Parliament last session, and also whether in the event of such a demand existing, there would be the necessary land available. "In the course of a conversation with a "Press" representative, Mr. Twiss stated that the Government proposed to acquire land in places where a demand for farm workers' homes existed, and offer it to workers in five-acre allotments with houses and everything complete at a rental of 15s per week, including a sinking fund, under which the tennant would acquire the property as a freehold- in something like thirtytwo years. Mr. Twiss mentioned the fact that the Government was faced with a difficulty in many cases< by the exorbitant price demanded for land in the vicinity of rising towns. It was obvious that if the Government purchased land at about £90 per acre it could not possibly let a five-acre allotment with a £300 house erected on it, for anything approaching 15s a week. It was therefore necessary before the scheme could be carried out succesfully for the .Government to be able to purchase the land required at a reasonable rate. Incidently, Mr. Twiss mentioned that lie had received an offer of land in the neighbourhood of Patea, and this would be acquired for farm workers' homes, should there be found to be a demand for same.