£200 DEPOSIT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3488, 18 January 1921, Page 20

£2OO DEPOSIT.

EXPENSIVE WORKERS’ DWELLINGS. Many workers who some time ago lodged pji application for a house under the Workers’ Dwelling Act received a rude shock when they were informed recently that the deposit required by the Government was £2OO (says the Wellington Post). They i'.ad understood all aiong that the deposit would not exceed £lO, of which amount they had paid-in some cases as long as two years ago—£l on account. The dwellings for which the deposit of £2OO is required are officially known as “Design 25.” The letter from the officcr-in-charge to the applicant reads: “Dear Sir, —A number of dwellings, built to Design 25, are nearing completion at Miramar. Applicants choosing a house ol thi3 design will be required to pay a cash deposit of, approximately, £2OO, in addition to the payment of £IOOO by instalments, anc cost of fencing, approximately £3O, bj instalments under separate agreement. The figures given over and above £IOOO are approximate only, but proposed purchasers should be in a position to pay a. cash deposi up to £2OO. Please let me know by returr mail whether you are prepared to take ovei one of those dwellings under the condition: mentioned.” The matter was referred by a reports: to Mr F. W. Rowley, Secretary of Labour Mr Rowley stated that out of a total of 12( houses which were being- constructed ir Wellington a few were planned on Desigi 25. That, design was more expensive thar any of tbo others, but at the time the} ■were commenced the department thoughl that they could be kept within the statutory limit of £IOOO. Owing, however, to th< increase in the price of cement and othe: materials, and the increase in wages, t hr limit was exceeded. Under the circnm stances the department had no option bui to ask for a deposit which would cove: anything in excess of £IOOO. Had house: been erected for £IOGO or under, the deposi would have been £lO only. “We have already disposed of several houses, the cos: of which exceeded £IOOO, and which calloc for a greater deposit- than £10,” said M: Rowley. “If none of the applicants is ir a position to find the deposit of £2OO non required, we must sell the houses to others Applicants who decline the offer will retail their position of priority.-and will be offeree the cheaper houses as they are completed,”