Housing Scheme for Farm Workers

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6173, 15 March 1948, Page 4

Housing Scheme for Farm Workers

DISCUSSION IN CAMBRIDGE GENERAL SUPPORT FORTHCOMING A scheme which has been under consideration for some time to provide houses in country areas for farm workers was discussed fully at a meeting of the Cambridge Sub-Pro-vince of Federated Farmers on Friday afternoon. There was general support for the establishment of a scheme, and after delegates had given the views of their branches a report was drawn up to be forwarded to Waikato Province. Although no resolution was passed at Roto-o-rangi, it was agreed that there was sufficient work in the district to keep two men occupied, said Mr E. S. Beer. An important point considered was whether it would be possible to get a man out of a house if he proved unsatisfactory. It was also stated that Federated Farmers had a policy in which the freehold of all land was advocated, and there would be inconsistency if the houses were owned by the State. Mr E. C. Head said that the Maungatautari branch had discussed the matter on the lines of the rural housing scheme. The question of tenancy had been considered there also. There would be continual work for one.man at Fencourt, said Mr J. R. Lang. However, the branch had decided to‘take no action in the meantime because of the complications. The opinion was expressed at Te Miro that farm labour should be given better treatment, said Mr M. G. Hewitt. As far as housing was concerned, the main point for consideration was whether the scheme would be run by the State or under a housing policy organised by Federated Farmers. In any event it was desirable that farm workers should be given the opportunity to own their

own farms eventually. It was essential also under any scheme, that the house went with the job. \ After further discussion, it was decided that a report be drawn up for Waikato Province on the lines that there was plenty of work available and at least six houses would be required to accommodate the men. Conditions considered essential for the scheme were that Federated Farmers administer it through the branches, and that a committee would be necessary in each area to control the payment of wages, rent and maintenance, the activities of the worker and to settle any disputes. It was desired that a special system of financing the scheme be placed before the Government, the estimate being that there might be 2000 houses required throughout New Zealand. The establishment of houses on the land under the present State housing system was not favoured, but a scheme on the lines of rural housing, without the economic farming unit stipulation. The meeting considered .also that the housing of the worker be a condition of employment to overcome the restrictions of the Fair Rents Act.