Fair Rents Measure Goes Through

Northern Advocate, 8 June 1936, Page 6

Fair Rents Measure Goes Through

Distress And Replevin Bill Also Passed

[Per Press Association. —CovyrightJ WELLINGTON, This Day. Both the Fair Rents Bill and the Distress and Replevin Amendment Bill were put through all stages, and passed, in th,e House of Representatives on Saturday. During the afternoon session, the House went into committee on the, Fair Rents Bill, the short title of which was passed on the voices. Speaking on clause five, which- restricted the raising of rents, Mr. W. A. Bodlkin (Opposition—Central Otago) moved an amendment to the effect that if a landlord and a tenant agreed as to a fair rent for a dwelling, or part of one, and such agreement was made in writing in the presence of and witnessed by an inspector of factories, then the agreement should be binding upon parties during the term of tenancy, and should have all the effect of an order of the Court. The Attorney-General, the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, said he would give the matter, which was not inconsistent with the spirit of the legislation, very sympathetic consideration, and Mr. Bodkin withdrew the amendment.

Both Bills Through

Equitable to Premises. The Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, moved an amendment to clause seven, which mentioned the considerations to be taken into account in fixing the fair rent of a dwelling, in the direction of fixing a rent which would be equitable to the premises to pay, ..in-, stead of the tenant. Mr, W. J. Poison (Opposition—• Stratford) said it ■ might mean that a tenant was in a house the rent of which was far above his means to pay, and it would now mean that the rent would have to be reduced to suit his circumstances. That would be most unfair to the landlord. The Hon. W. E. Barnard pointed out that the clause provided that a magistrate, in fixing rent, should take into consideration the relative circumstances of the landlord and the tenant. The amendment was lost by 42 votes to 11. Amendment Agreed To, When the clause dealing with the recovery of possession of a dwelling

was being considered, the Minister moved an amendment the effect of which was to negative the necessity of notice in a case where a tenant was failing to take reasonable care of the premises, or where the tenant was guilty of conduct annoying or causing a nuisance to the neighbours. This was agreed to. Mr. Bodkin moved an amendment that a ground for possession of premises should be that they were required for occupation by an employee

Mr. Mason said he would consider the matter favourably and the amendment was withdrawn.

Mr. S. G. Holland (Opposition— Christchurch North) moved an amendment in the direction of allowing an inspector of factories to make application on behalf of a landlord or a tenant.

Mr. Mason said he would go into the matter with the Minister of Labour, whereupon the amendment was withdrawn.

A new clause providing that the Act should be administered by the Labour Department was agreed to. The Bill was reported to the House with amendments.

Then the Distress and Replevin Amendment Bill was put through the committee stages without amendment.

Both Bills were read a third time and passed.