HOUSE RENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23015, 18 April 1938, Page 12

HOUSE RENTS

Sir.—ln a reported address by tha Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates at Mangere recently he stated that, ''taking an average over 20 rears, he douhted whether the working man could afford to contribute more than 12s 6d a week for house rent." It is interesting to note the change of attitude that takes place in the minds of some of our former Cabinet Ministers. What was Mr. Coates' attitude when the Railway Commission recommended an increase in the railwaymen's house rents amounting to £38.000 per annum? These rents were increased from 14s 6d per week to 21s, and in some cases the rent was increased 300 per cent. These increases took place just before" the 10 per cent reduction in wages and salaries of the civil service, and I do not recollect Mr. Coates protesting against this hwc:e increase, in rents at that time. Was Mr. Coates sincere in his remarks to his Mangere audience? Mr. Coates has had ample opportunity in the past, being a former Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Railways. to practise that which he now preaches. If 12s 6d per week is all that the working man can contribute over a period of 20 years, then there was no better place to try it than with the State railway houses. The rent being deducted from the wagea guaranteed payment, and the occupation of same, a condition of employment ensures the State continuity of tenant*. Where could Mr. Coates hare found a better field to put his ideas into operation? F. G. MoLEswoarn. Secretary, A.S.R.S.