WORKERS' HOUSES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22545, 9 October 1936, Page 16

WORKERS' HOUSES

SCHEME FOR ORAKEI LAND AGENT'S OPINIONS INSTITUTE ANNUAL MEETING Because transport costs and easy access to and from work were factors of vital importance to the working people, he was doubtful of the ultimate success of tho scheme to build workers' cottages at Orakei, said the president, Mr. G. B. Osmond, when speaking at the annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Inst night. He added that in winter it was essential for the worker to live near his work.

The year had boon a difficult one, Mr. Osmond said in moving the adoption of the annual report and balancesheet, already published. Tho prospects had been good for a period, but there had been so much legislation, by no means favourable to property owners, that the market for some time past had been in a nervous state, thus lessen ing the confidence of investors in real estate. However, the Housing Act should have the effect of eliminating many of the slum properties that existed in the cities, and replacing them with suitable homes, with common playgrounds for children. Mr. Osmond said the forthcoming yonr would be a period of adjustments because new standards of value would have to be fixed to meet the new conditions. In its work the Government would require to use tho knowledge and experience that members of the institute could give. "The replacing of the graduated land tax on the Statute Book is a mistake as it very grievously affects the capital value of the best land and destroys all confidence and progress," Mr. Osmond said. "I hope that this Act will be repealed next year and tho flat rate restored."

The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

Officers were elected as follows: — President, Mr. G. B. Osmond; vicepresidents, Messrs. H. C. Ernest and G. R. Blackettj committee, Messrs. J. D. Campbell, R. L. Griffiths, R. Parker Hill. 1. Mclndoe, H. G. Sayers, F. Wade, K. Barfoot, H. B. Harper, R. S. Newcomb and L. J. Coakley. Following the meeting, the annual dinner of the branch was held at tho Star Hotel. Mr. Osmond presiding. The following toast list was honoured:—"The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand," proposed by Mr. S. Bennett, responded to by Mr. H. C. Ernest and Mr. P. Balgarnie; "'The Visitors," Mr. Osmond —Mr. W. D. Armit, Mr. K. Graham, Mr. G. S. Ellis and Mr. D. Smith; "The President," Mr. G. R. Blackett. A musical programme was supplied by Messrs. E. Snell, D. Stark, R. Yates and B. Tilly.