HOUSING CRISIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24132, 26 November 1941, Page 6

HOUSING CRISIS

WELLINGTON'S PREDICAMENT (0.C.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday "We are not facing a first-class housing crisis. We are past that stage, and for this city it is going to be a tragedy of some magnitude. It is very worrying, disconcerting and distracting, and I do flot see any prospecjpof relief at present," said a leading Wellington land agent when surveying the property market and the conditions ruling for housing accommodation in the city. Another opinion expressed was that spectators in residential property were more active now than had ever been known before and some were making ■ substantial profits on their dealings. It was stated that the erection of Government houses was riot keeping step with - the demand, that there were more than 8000 prospective tenants of these on the waiting list alone, and that in any event, soldiers returning from SCOTS service overseas would have first call on these dwellings. Alarm was voiced at the proportion of Wellington's growing population which was compelled to live in flats, and the conditions which were being created by this problem. It was considered that because of the housing situation generally, Wellington ■ was heading for a grave Government ; and municipal problem.