HOUSING REFORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17032, 13 December 1918, Page 6

HOUSING REFORM

A further step was taken by the City Council last evening towards the formulation of a comprehensive programme of housing reform. As the original broad survey of the unwholesome conditions is developed into a detailed plan of remedial measures, a more accurato estimate is possible of the difficulties that it presents and that offer an incentive to a sustained and woll-directed effort. At the outset, the task of the Council must bo to lay down principles of a. policy that will guido its practical operations throughout an extended period. For over half a century, the cities of tho Dominion have grown haphazard. The comfortable homes of the colonising days have become decayed and neglected, lack of efficient transport facilities until comparatively recent times has caused congestion of buildings and overcrowding within them, and for long an awakening public opinion' has been powerless to check tho selfishness" and the ignorance that fostered squalor and ugliness. This distressing element in the city's life cannot be removed by a simple sweeping-away of the " slum" areas. Shelter must first be found for those whom indifference or necessity has forced to accept an environment that is not only dangerous and degrading to themselves, but forms a latent menace to the welfare of the whole community. For this reason, the view ,that tho duty of the municipality doos not include the raising of the standard of housing and the prevention of slums is both selfish and short-sighted. It must be. remembered that the evil which it is now hoped to destroy is continually strengthened by the increase in population and by every check that is placed on private enterprise. During tho past four years, tho building of houses has been severely restricted by the cost of materials . and labour, and these obstacles to individual ventures will probably remain for some time. Municipalities are at a better advantage in this respect, and it may be found advisable for the Government to assist the local authorities by bearing a considerable proportion of the extra cost due to post-war conditions. This is being done in Britain, • where the improvement of housing is acknowledged as one of the most important and urgent social questions. Tho reports presented to the City Council last evening touched .upon some aspects of the matter which were not raised a fortnight ago, but they do not pretend to be a complete investigation. Tho Council might in, fact consider calling into consultation representatives of other public bodies and representative citizens with an active and informed interest in the matter so that its further deliberations may be guided to the most sound and practical solutions that can be devised. Permanent benefit will only bo achieved if the erection, of comfortable homes and. the destruction of insanitary dwellings are accompanied by measures for a wider education in sanitation and hygiene, an improvement in transport facilities, and a methodical enhancement of the environment of every residential area. In all this progressive movement, the City Council should lead the way, but it must rely upon the support and the encouragement of the citizens generally, and in this connection it has wisely decided that all its proposals shall be submitted to the ratepayers for their sanction.