ARREARS IN RENT

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1932, Page 7

ARREARS IN RENT

HOUSEHOLDER ON RELIEF, . DISCUSSION BY BENCH. Palmerston N., Dec. 14. The position of relief workers who are in arrears with their rent'was discussed by the Bench and counsel in the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., was confronted with an application for an order for possession of a house. It was revealed that defendant, a relief worker was 12 months behind in his rent and was owing an amount of, £46. His Worship said that he case was undoubtedly a hard one, but if a man was 12 months behind, the landlord was entitled to an order for possession. “If I say no relief worker is. to be turned out no matter whether he is one or two years behind, what will be the position?” asked the magistrate. Counsel for defendant stated that if relief wages were to become a standard in the community, rent would have to come down to that level. The magistrate: That is a matter for landlords or the Legislature. I recognise the hardship in this case. Counsel explained that' defendant had paid something each month in reduction of the amount owing. He had five children to keep. His Worship: One recognises there are honest people among the unemployed, but- there are also a number or dishonest people. . Counsel for plaintiff, the ?owner _of the house, said he was quite satisfied that the defendant had done his best. The magistrate: But he cannot have paid enough to meet the owner s outgoings. His Worship said that the owner, was entitled to an order, but he would make it as easy as he could for defendant. Possession would have to be given by one month. Judgment for £2O only of the arrears was asked for and granted.