HOVELS AS HOMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 64, 7 June 1927, Page 14

HOVELS AS HOMES

AUCKLAND HAS SLUMS WEST OF HOBSON STREET CABINET MINISTER’S VISIT LAPI DATED shacks, propped up, as it were, on the sides of damp and unpleasant-looking gullies —broken-down fences —rank vegetation encroaching to the very doorsteps—such were the scenes of neglect and decay viewed by the Hon. G. J. Anderson, Minister of Labour, yesterday afternoon. The tour of investigation was carried out mostly in various streets and obscure lanes lying west of Hobson Street. The visit was in fulfilment of a promise, made last session in the course of a discussion on the Rent Restriction Act, which expires in August, that he would inspect the slum areas of the principal cities. Christchurch and Wellington have already been attended to and yesterday, under the guidance of Messrs. W. E. Parry, M.P., M. J. Savage, M.P., and city council officials, Mr. Anderson inspected what is regarded as one of the slum areas of Auckland City. RACK AND RUIN Baker Street, Killow'en Place, France Street, East Street and a portion of Nelson Street were some of the first localities visited. Situated for the most part in shady gullies between Hobson Street and Freeman’s Bay, practically on the verge of the city proper, they represent what is left of the early residential quarters. They have been neglected in more ways than one. As residential sites the sections held out no great prospects for investments, and the original buildings have been badly neglected. Here and there substantial houses have been erected, mostly on the higher sites, but in the gullies dilapidated hovels are huddled together in various stages of disrepair. Many years have elapsed since they last saw a coat of paint, and time and the weather have done their worst. Fences have rotted away and have not been replaced, and the rank vegetation, which in nearly every instance surrounds the dwellings, adds to the general air of neglect. HIGH RENTS According to the , rent restriction officer who accompanied the party, 30s a w r eek was being charged for some of the dwellings pointed out. As a result of the inquiries, many of the rents had been reduced by law. The occupant of one house visited said that she had recently purchased it for £450, not for the house, she explained, but for the section. In the meantime the dwelling is being patched up until such time as the section is required for more profitable use. “Some day the land will be required for factories and other buildings.” said a member of the party, “but until then nothing can be done with them.” Grey Street, of late a much maligned quarter, compared very favourably, from a building point of view, with quite a number of the localities visited. On the site of an old dwelling which had provided a home for a number of Hindus, workmen are busily engaged in the erection of a modern structure. From Grey Street the party drove up through Airedale Street, formely Alexandra Street. Here, old and badlydecayed dwellings, crowded together on the slopes of a gully, provided a strong and unpleasant contrast to Symonds Street, upon which the street abuts. Although making no comment on the subject, the Minister was obviously impressed by the condition of things. On his return from the Bay of Islands on Friday a further inspection will be made.