AUCKLAND SLUMS.
'As reported m "Truth" of the sth inst., Dr. Purdy's statement to the City Council complaining of the insanitary condition of an area m the northern city, which is given over to disease and dirt, was referred to the Works Committee lor report. At the last Council meeting the, committee coolly, calmly, and collectedly reported that it had no recommendation to make.
There is no doubt that the works committee of the City Council is overworked, and.it is also certain that many of its members have no regard for the condition of the masses. But that they, would be guilty of shutting their eyes to a condition of affairs which Dr. Purdy says is a menace to public health is quite another matter, and evidences a callous disregard^for the safety, to say nothing of the comfort, of 'the ratepayers, living m the slum area described. The . committee's report was sufficiently' staggering to rouse Councillor Read. . to life, and he said it would be a good thing to go thoroughly 'in-to the question of slum tenements, and take them over under the 1408 Act.
Then followed a futile discussion quite m keeping with the flam indulged m by members of the Wellcsley-street talking shop. Eventually Read:s reasonable amendment was defeated, and the works ' committee's asinine . report adopted. The residents of- slumdom may suffer, the doctor's motor, and -the undertaker's, hearse will?- continue to traverse the area all too frequently, and it is too much to expect any improvement m these dire conditions while slum owners, slum agents, and men like the members :of ' the works .committee . adorn the people's local government, assembly.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTR19100219.2.48.1
Bibliographic details
NZ Truth, Issue 243, 19 February 1910, Page 7
Word Count
273AUCKLAND SLUMS. NZ Truth, Issue 243, 19 February 1910, Page 7
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