HOUSING AMENITIES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21202, 27 August 1940, Page 7

HOUSING AMENITIES

STATE HELP IN CITY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday Primitive housing conditions for large families with small incomes, revealed in a housing survey conducted some time ago by the City Council, have been overcome through action taken by the State Advances Department. All families which formerly lived In primitive and unhealthy homes have been housed in premises acquired by the department. A number of old houses, suitable for the purpose, was bought by the department, which made alterations and renovations as necessary.

The greatest possible contrast is afforded in the living conditions of one family, which provides an illustration of the improvement effected. Before the department stepped in, this family, comprising a man, his wife and 10 children, lived in what was no better than a hovel, without glass to its windows, and with a single wash-basin for the 12 of them. Sacking hung over the windows. There was no bath, and cooking arrangements -were meagre and Inefficient. Now this family lives in a roomy house which has every reasonable convenience. They pay a reasonable rent for conditions which are palatial by comparison.