PROVIDING HOUSES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10397, 30 September 1919, Page 6

PROVIDING HOUSES

VARIOUS SCHEMES BUDGET OF QUESTIONS ASKED IN PARLIAAIENT. Several questions touching tho housing problem were asked in. the House of Representatives last evening. Air R, Semple (Wellington South) asked tho Prime Minister it it was his intention to support by statutory dr other authority tho assertion made by him shortly after the opening of the session that ho would safeguard those who lived ,iu rented homes by making permanent by law tho regulations that operated during tho war period in regard to tho eight per cent, profit allowed to property owners, and it ho had changed his views upon this question. Would the Prime Minister give some indication to Lire House and to an anxious public when ho proposed to bring down the necessary legislation as, unless such was done this session, chaos would come when the regulations now in force expired i Air Massey , said that any promise made would be given effect to before the end of tile session. Air H. G. Ell (Christchurch South) asked if assistance to local bodies would be considered. This would help to relievo the pressure. Mr Alassey replied that a bill now in tho hands of the law draftsmen would make its appearance very shortly. The matter of the local bodies was under consideration at present. Air P. Eraser (Wellington Central) asked ns to arrangements for housing railway employees, particularly at places like Paekakariki, where a casual glance would satisfy people that many were living in unsuitable places. The Premier said the matter was at present under the consideration of tho Railway Department. A number of houses had been authorised and would soon be. under way. Air Ell: The new plans are very good. I had an opportunity of seeing them. Air T. M. Wilford (Hutt) asked it tho Alinister would see that a number of houses were built at Pctonc, where a large proportion of the people wore working men. Air -Massey said that Petono would have its fair share. Mr O. H. Poole (Auckland West) raised a question respecting harbour board employees. Air -Massey answered that as far as Wellington and other harbour boards were concerned bo intended to ask Parliament to agree to legislation this session to enable harbour boards to provide houses for their employees without a poll. Air A. AI. Alyers (Auckland East) asked if it was the intention of the Government to introduce a townplanning bill, and if not would the houses bo erected in conformity with a town-planning scheme.

Air Massey said he did not think there would be time this session for a toWn-planning ’ bill, but tho building would be done in conformity with the latest town-planning schemes.