The Wanganui Chronicle FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1950. THE STATE HOUSE AND ITS OCCUPANTS

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 November 1950, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1950. THE STATE HOUSE AND ITS OCCUPANTS

r J"HE decision of the Minister of .Housing to offer inducements to those who occupy State houses on a tenancy basis to preserve their existing rights if they are accommodating to others is a tactful way of meeting a delicate situation. Where an increasing family needs more housing accommodation it is detrimental to the general well-being of that family and of the community if it is compelled to occupy a dwelling that has become too small for it. Over-crowding leads to the spread of disease under the best of housekeeping conditions, and the increase in illness leads to higher hospitalisation costs. The nexus between the sufficiency of housing accommodation and health needs no stressing. The house that would provide a large family with adequate comfort is often occupied by persons whose housing reguirements are over-supplied but which house the occupants retain because by so doing they enjoy a low rental. A transfer to a smaller house would not benefit them financially so the finality of it is that in one place overcrowding is in existence and in another nnder-usv exists.

When the Minister was first approached by the “Chronicle” (which initiated this move) Mr. Marshall said that he was averse to taking powers to compel people to vacate one State house if such a course could be avoided. While recognising the desirability of such transfers being made he realised that people do things when they know that the house they occupy is their permanent home and it would be no easy matter to take from the occupant the improvements that he has made by requiring him to remove to another house. This was a very human way of looking at the “Chronicle’s” proposal, but it left the problem of the.under-use of the total of State house accommodation where it was before. Now there is a financial inducement added to the natural desire to help a growing family. It is to be hoped that the generous view will be taken by those who occupy the larger housing units and that transfers will be made voluntarily in the interests of the rising generation. It is gratifying that in some instances in Wanganui such voluntary exchanges have been made by State tenants and it is to be hoped that there will be a general spirit of ac ommodation prevailing in this matter. If it is not, then the Minister will be justified in contemplating acquiring the legal right to terminate a tenancy and when acquired using such powers promptly.