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Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16797, 22 July 1920, Page 2

The discussion on the question of tiro housing provided by the Harbour Board for some of its employees tends to drift into a somewhat unprofitable controversy between the borough inspector and the Herald. As both parties have the same object in view—the providing of some means of removing tlje very serious lack of housing accommodation in tho borough, this is'a matter for regret. Mr. Day spends his time in proving that tho cottages erected by the Harbour Board do not comply with the regulationsT laid down in the borough by-laws for permanent residences. No one' has ever asserted that they do so, but it is maintained that they aro meeting very satisfactorily the demand for housing in a time of great difficulty. It might bo urged that : the division of the Fitzroy Hall into four tenements and the suggestion by tho inspector that shacks for temporary occupation should be erected on a supposed borough reserve are not altogether in accord with the strict letter of tho by-laws. It is realised, however, that some people may steal horses while others are not even permitted to look over tho fence. Tho Harbour Board, wo understand, has stated that •tho cottages it has erected aro merely temporary structures intended to remain while the harbour works are in progress. An official statement to tho borough council to this effect and the recognition by the council that they meet the conditions as temporary structures would probably, settle tho difficulty and prevent further discussion. The people must certainly he housed and all must work together to meet the immediate difficulties. '

The numerous ' farewell banquets to Sir Thomas Mackenzie recently reported in our cablegrams show that the late High Commissioner is considered in England to be a very capable man who has done splendid service for New Zealand and tho Empire. Such men are not too common m the Dominion and everyone 'must feel 1 that on his return ho should have tho opportunity of getting into harness again as soon as possible. It has been stated that he intends to stand at tho next election for the Marsden seat in tho Deform interest, taking the place of Mr. F. Mander. who means to retire. This, if true, is good nows and there can bo little doubt that ho will succeed in winning the scat. But this moans that tho services of Sir Thomas will not he available for nearly three years and the country could certainly find' work for him at once with advantage. This could possibly ho achieved by his appointment to the Legislative Council with a' seat in the Cabinet. _ It is not generally advisable for Ministers to bo in tho "Upper House, hut in this case a temporary appointment, to end if Sir Thomas Mackenzie-does not secure election to tho House of Represontatives. would certainly be justified. It is possible that the new Minister might be offered the position of Minister of Dailways. This would relievo Mr. Massey considerably and the energy and business capacity of Sir Thomas would find plenty of scope.