FIVE FLATS IN A HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17497, 15 June 1920, Page 5

FIVE FLATS IN A HOUSE.

MOUNT EDEN. PROBLEM.

POSITION OF THE COUNCIL. What was agreed to be au anomalous position in regard to the building by-laws was revealed at last night's meeting of the Mount Eden Borough Council. The building inspector reported that a permit had been granted for alterations to a house in Mount Eden Road. The plans showing the external alterations had been submitted and approved and tho permit granted. It now appeared that the house was being turned into »flats, to accommodate five families. The plans had not shown the proposed alterations' to the internal structure. It was to have only one eariitary system,' connected with a septic tank. Thero was no connection with any drainage system. One of the flats was to consist of one room, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. Reading tho . dimensions of the bathroonj, the Mayor, Mr. C. Hudson, remarked that it ought to be described as a " bathroomctto."

It was explained that the house was in one of tho moat closely settled portions of the borough. Inquiry was made by several members concerning tho law on the subject. Tho clerk explained that under the Public Health Amendment Act, 1918, it was not lawful to let a house for the occupation of more than ono family "without the approval of the local authority in accordance with regulations to be made hereunder." The regulations had not been made, he said, consequently the powers of the local bodies were still undefined. Tho matter was left in the hands of the Mayor, with power to refer it to the Public Health Department if necessary. The question of the borough by-laws was referred to the Finance Committee, and the motion recommended that tho huiJdinc by-laws should be considered with particular reference to apartment houses.