STATE ADVANCES

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11582, 27 July 1923, Page 7

STATE ADVANCES

BILL HIGHLY COMMENDED. The Hon. Sir Francis Bell moved the second readirig of the State Advances Amendment Bill, which he said increased the amounts which could be advanced for land and houses. For instance, 95 per oent. of the cost of the house and section could be advanced up to £1250. That there might be losses no one would be foolish enough to deny, but they would be infinitesimal. The Hon. J. Barr said no finer nor more ,beneficial measure had 1 ewer come before Parliament. From the seeming evil of the housing shortage good waa coming; the working man, unable to rent a house, had looked about to see what assistance 1 could be secured to build a home. The housing Shortage was being overtaken. There were no vacant houses, and carpenters had no difficulty in getting employment. The Hon. R. Moore congratulated the introducer of the hill on the liberality of the measure. He considered it would be a highly -popular law. Be would like to see the payments made monthly instead of six-monthly. Tlie Hon. R. Michel thought all were agreed that this was one of the most liberal measures ever introduced to any Parliament. He advocated monthly payments. The Hon. J. G. Garland thought the bill excellent, and said it was the product of enlightened brains. He did not think there would be many losses, but great care should be exercised respecting valuations. Tho Government would have ’great difficulty in making the money go round unless they had a big wum available. The Hon. W. Earnshaw said the bill went far beyond any other bill ever brought before Parliament. He urged the Government, to hare an optional clause regarding payment. Let it be provided that the worker “may” pay without waiting for the six months. Tho Hon. Sir Francis Bell said the option suggested by Mr Earnshaw already existed. He thought the workers would prefer to bank their money and diraw interest on it. The second reading was agreed to, and the Council rose at 5 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. to-day.