RAISING THE RENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10073, 11 September 1918, Page 5

RAISING THE RENT

REMARKS BY MAGISTRATE. In a case heard before Mr F. V. Frazer, S.M., yesterday, in which ' Louise Duere, widow, of Longbnrn, proceeded against George Kidd, labourer, of Wellington, to recover the possession of a house in Frances place, the plaintiff was nonsuited. Evidence was given by W. F. Eggers, on behalf of the plaintiff, who did not appear, that the owner of the property desired to live in the house, and the magistrate said that the court would have to hear direct evidence from the plaintiff before coming to a decision. It had been shown that the rent was to be raised from 10s to 12s 6d per week, and this fact, without having the direct of the plaintiff that she desired the property for her own use, made the court a little suspicious. The position was becoming acute, added the agistrate, and it was necessary for a magistrate to carefully serutinisq applications by landlords, particularly in a case like the one before the court. The rent was to be increased on account of certain repairs being carried out, and the Act made it clear that it was. only in the case of substantial alterations and additions to premises that an increase in rent could be made. The -defendant was represented by Mr P. W. Jackson.