“TOO FASTIDIOUS”

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20463, 1 April 1938, Page 9

“TOO FASTIDIOUS”

TENANTS AND HOUSES OBJECTION TO LOCALITY COURT UPHOLDS LANDLORD (By Telegraph.—Pre»» Association) BLENHEIM, Thursday “In my opinion the Act doesn't require a landlord to show there is Available to the tenant another dwelling house in Just as convenient a locality for the tenant as that in which he is residing,” stated the magistrate, Mr. T. E. M&unsell. In a reserved decision in a case in which Eva May Nicholls, spinster, of Blenheim, sought to recover possession of a house occupied by George Henry Eugene Hills, commercial traveller, of Blenheim. “Were this so the landlord’s position would be practically hopeless, especially in large centres," the magistrate added. “The object of the Act is to prevent people who don’t own a home from being deprived of a home substantially reasonable and suitable to their needs. Tenants mustn't be fastidious.” The facts disclosed were that plaintlfT purchased a house for her own use and Hills declined to vacate it until a suitable similar house was found for him. An offer was made by plaintiff’s brother of a house half a mile over the borough boundary, but after Inspection Hills raised oblections regarding the size and rent. “No Root Hardship" These were largely met and the dispute Anally centred on the question of location, which was not so handy to town, the magistrate incidentally remarking that these were no reasons why plaintiff should not let a portion unrequired by herself. In his Judgment Mr. Maunsell said 1 there would be no real hardship on in an order were made for possession. Rather there would be hardship on the plaintiff if he refused the order as she was living in small % rooms and depended on the kindness of neighbours. An order was accordingly made.