State Housing

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19860, 10 February 1939, Page 14

State Housing

Sir, —Through his manipulation of words, "Farmer" strives to make it appear that I have written something altogether different to that which I did write. Most certainly I did not admit the accuracy of the figures "showing that the rentals from the State houses cannot possibly meet the costs on them." I admitted the figures were no doubt correct insofar as they referred to money secured by the State Advances Corporation "for financing State Advances loans to private individuals who desired to build and buy their own homes," and I claimed that the financing of what are known as State houses is done by a different method. ••Farmer" then says Mr. Nash has persistently refused to say what the State houses are costing, how they

are .financed or what rate of interest is being paid. If "Farmer" believes this last statement of his, then he admits the details are not available and my contention must be correct. He cannot have it both ways. It has been claimed all along the line that private enterprise could cio better than the Government if only it were not hampered by restrictions—the Fair Rents Act being quoted as the principal hindrance—yet on your showing private enterprise has not a hope of competing, especially as the removal of the Fair Rents Act would have the effect of raising rem.;.

"Farmer" suggests that I should write to Mr, Nash. I am quite satisfied that my contention is correct. His is not; therefore, it is up to him. Will "Farmer" tell me when Mr. Nash stated these houses would be built for £GOO and let at 12s 6d per week? CITIZEN.