BETTER COUNTRY HOMES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21052, 2 June 1938, Page 6

BETTER COUNTRY HOMES

Extension of State Housing Scheme Farmers’ Union Proposal An extension of the Government Housing Scheme to the country was suggested at the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Provincial Executive of the F;rmers’ Union in Timaru yesterday, by Mr J. C. Hay, who considered that it was not right that large sums of money should be used for the erection of large numbers of houses in the populated areas, while people had to live in houses in the country which, were they situated in the towns, would be condemned. “That in order to make farming and country life more attractive and encourage men of the right type to remain on the land as fanners and farm workers the Government ne urged to proceed with the erection .if homes in the country districts in its housing scheme,’’ was the text of a remit submitted by Mr Hay and endorsed by the meeting. “It is time for us to sit up and take notice.’’ said Mr Hay referring to the considerable amount of building that was occurring in the towns. Some of the homes in the country in which men and their families have to live would be condemned if they were in the town. “Capable and efficient farm labourers are being attracted to the towns by the better conditions,” continued Mr Hay. “Better conditions in the country will have to be provided. If the Housing Scheme can be extenciPii to the country, and I believe It can. young couples will accept positions in the country even if the wages are not quite as good. It is not fair and equitable that so much money should be spent entirely in the -towns.” Better housing conditions would make farm life much more attractive, said Mr J. Dempsey, who seconded the motion. Comfortable homes brought about contentment, which in turn resulted in a better understanding between employer and employee. “I am entirely in agreement with the principle of the remit.’’ said Mr A. G. Davey, who said that it would cost substantially more to erect houses in the country than in the town. Such costs would have to be carried by the land, which was not in a position to carry them. “We should put this forward as a principle and not as a plan.” said Mr C. W. Lynn, who supported the remit.