Sequel To Fair Rents Act

Northern Advocate, 26 July 1938, Page 4

Sequel To Fair Rents Act

The effect of the Fair Rents Act formed the basis of discussion in the 'Whangarei Magistrate’s Court before Mr. G. N. Morris, S.M., yesterday, when a claim by Mrs. Martha Mason, of Whangarei, for possession of a house in Norfolk Street was heard. The house is at present occupied by John William Kemp, a builder. Mr. D. J. Thomson, who appeared for plaintiff, described the case as an illustration of the unfortunate operation of the Act. ; Mr. C. P. Collins, Inspector of Factories, appeared on behalf of the tenant. Mrs. Mason stated that she was at present living under unsuitable conditions in a single room at Manaia .Flats. She was 75 years old, and in view of her age and state of health, the circumstances were far from congenial. She had been living in this fashion for three months. The tenant said that he was preparing to build his own home and was prepared to offer possession in three months’ time. In the meantime he was offering the landlady the use of one room in the house. The magistrate expressed the opinion that this offer should be accepted, as it would provide Mrs. Mason with considerably improved conditions and would at least need be only a temporary arrangement. • Mr. Thomson stated that Mrs. Mascn felt the house was her own, and in view of her circumstances, she should net be deprived of it. Defendant had built a number of houses for other people, but had made no provision for himself until forced to do so. , Tire magistrate said he had no option but to make an order for possession in j six weeks’ time. Costs of the pro*! feedings were £2/6/-. '