HOUSING BILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17771, 1 November 1919, Page 10

HOUSING BILL

AMENDED INCOME LIMIT INCREASED.

BANKS MAY BUILD DWELLINGS.

tffaou Oua Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 31. Further amendments to tho Housing Bill wore introduced in tho Houso of Representatives to-dny by vioo-rcgnl message. They wero agreed to, and were aent on to the Legislative Council for insertion in tho Bill.

Tho maximum incomo for any worker with not moro than two children or dopendents who may tenefit by the Bill is raised from £275 to £300. Tho absolute limit of incomo, regardless of tho number of phildron or dependents ■ was £375, but tho new clause abolishes this limit. Tho qualifying incomo is £300, increased by £20 for every child or dependent more than two without any upward limit. Tho maximum price for which a wooden houso may bo sold under the provisions of the Act is increased from £750 to £775.

Hie arrangement for advancing money to associations or publio servants is widened. The Bill, as passed, provided that if any application was made by such an association for an advance in respect to private land that land should be purchased by tho Crown for disposal tn the applicants. A new subclause lays it down that advances made to a society may be used: —(a) As purchase money for the. land to which the scheme relates; (b) to subdivide tho land, lay out and form roads and streets, and provide drainage, sanitation, liglhting, heating ,water supply, and other works and conveniences; (c) to set apart public paries, recreation grounds, and reserves, and to erect libraries, public halls, and other public buildings: (d) to erect dwelling houses for tho members of the societv; (e) and for other purposes •,which tho Minister may approve. Tho proviso that the instalments repayable by a member of an association of public servants shall be deducted from his wages or salary is no longer mandatory. Suh instalments aro to bi deducted by agreement with an officer. A new part has been added to the Bill to empower banks to build houses, which they may sell or lea as to. members of their staffs.