CHEAPER MONEY SOUGHT

Southland Times, Issue 25545, 13 December 1944, Page 4

CHEAPER MONEY SOUGHT

MUNICIPAL HOUSING SCHEMES A copy of a resolution passed by the Nelson City Council urging the Government to give consideration (a) to the desirability of giving a definite lead to local bodies as to th,e ways in which they may best help in relieving the housing shortage and (b) to the possibility of making finance available on terms which would enable them to provide houses at a reasonable cost and without undue liability on ratepayers was received at the meeting of the City Council last night. The Nelson Council in a covering letter stated that it had written to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, stating that the council was much perturbed by the seriousness of the housing position and was anxious to make its contribution towards a solution of the difficult problems which the position presented. The council had also advised the Prime Minister that under the conditions on which finance was at present available, local bodies were unable to undertake housing schemes on terms which would make houses available at prices within the means of the average wage and salary earner. If a municipal housing scheme were undertaken under existing conditions, a serious financial burden would probably fall sooner or later on the ratepayers. The letter was received.