FREEHOLD DWELLINGS FOR WORKMEN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 12904, 8 July 1905, Page 6

FREEHOLD DWELLINGS FOR WORKMEN.

The following is a scheme laid befoV ■ Mr Seddon and some of the Cabinet Ministers by Mr Frank Roberts at Wellington last Monday. Tins scheme of combined purchase and insurance is the same as that introduced by Mr Roberts some years ago for the neighbourhood of London, and which is now being carried out by; English' Life Insurance Companies. Scheme to provide 160 workmen's 5-roomcd dwellings each on one-eighth acre freehold land near a town, to bo purchased in 20 years by weekly instalments of 5s lOd, which includes lin.terest and insurance prmriuni- on £200. Providing also a four per cent, investment with absolute security to the capitalist. This assumes that the sale price o$ land is £100 per acre, and the figures given show that 25s 3d per month, or 5s lOd per week for 20 years, covers the cost of land and house (as shown on accompanying plans), as well as the premium of a life policy for £200 and 4 per cent, interest on the balance owing each month. The plans referred to, which were prepared by Mr J. A, Maisey, provide for a detached hiouse of neat elevation with central hall, living room 16ft x 12ft, 3 bedrooms, large kitchen, wash-house (fitted with washing troughs, copper, and bath), all under one roof, with front and back verandah. Possession to be given on payment of first instalment and completion of life policy. Architect's fees, roads, and other expenses will be met by the difference between the cost price of the land in bulk and the selling, price in I'sections.1 'sections. The houses would be erected as required, but I advise that at least 20 acres be purchased, and the remainder let (until required for building') in half acre garden lots. '.. ' . ••'• As a future extension of this scheme I propose a Church, together with a [Public Hall for reading, recreation, and refreshments, which coutii easily be made self-supporting, ' but no tavern. ADVANTAGES TO THE GOVERNMENT. One hundred and sixty new insurances, and. a 4 per cent, investment., Absolute security for .repayments on house and land by a mortgage on the whole, and the deposit of a life policy for full value. • Supplying a real want for cheap workmen's dwellings — encouraging thrift and provision for old age — and [creating small holdings on the land. Encouraging new colonists to settle» by providing hdme^ ready for them, i and thus^ adding to the population. ADVANTAGES TO THE PURCHASER. The immediate possession and gradual purchase of a comfortable 5-roomed freehold dwelling and garden without capital, and by payment only of 5s \od per week. A Government life policy for £200, which, if it becomes a claim in, say, 10 years, will enable the widow to pay off the mortgage on the property and have £130 cash, and any profit acorucd on the policy, as well as a house and garden 1 free of incumbrance. Mr Roberts suggested to the Premier that a portion of the Spotswood Estate would be, suitable to commence this scheme, if tsonie facilities were given for Teaching it. The proposal was discussed by the gentlemen present, and Mr Seddon remarked that only healthy lives. wovtfd bo available. Mr Roberts replied that the" scheme on the figures <give» cottainly only covered Healthy lives, and that was what they wanted. For doubtful and sickly lives' the payments would have to be slightly increased. One of the Ministers present 'bhoug'htt that the garden allotments would not be taken up by workmen. Mr Roberts, however, stated that he believed many men fond of gardening would be glad to secure an allotment section and grow poultry or vegetables for profit. Such garden allotments were very /popular in England. Mr Seddon thanked Mr Roberts for bringing the scheme before him, and kept the particulars and plans, promising to give bhe matter full consideration with &, view to introducing the scheme into his forthcoming" Bill. You may talk about Niagara, And rave of quaint Japan ; Quote the Trans-Siberian railway As the greatest work of man. No"! c'en the greatest Colossus ! Can such pride of place secure, As the famous cough reliever Known as Woods' Great Pepper* mint Cure.