HOUSE SHORTAGE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21415, 8 May 1941, Page 5

HOUSE SHORTAGE

“TERRIBLY ACUTE” POSITION IN HAMILTON The Mayor, Mr. H. D. Caro, told the Hamilton Borough Council last night that the house shortage was “terribly acute” in Hamilton. Some places occupied in the borough were absolutely unsuitable; but the demand far exceeded the supply. He did not know the cause or remedy, but he did regard the position as serious. Applicants, apparently suitable, were refused homes because they had one or two children. State houses were quite inadequate and unobtainable for families of more than four. He had been deluged with requests for assistance in getting accommodation. In some places in the borough there were habitations lacking even the common bathing facilities. Such conditions should not be tolerated, but he did not suggest evicting the unfortunate occupiers.

Continuing, Mr Caro proceeded to refer to a special case brought lately under his notice, and added that there were cases of men in regular employment, and offering a reasonably good rent, being refused tenancy. He would like to find some solution to the problem. Mr F. Findlay said it was a terrible state of affairs, and he suggested that it might be necessary for local authorities to build homes. The State Housing Department was not supplying the demand. He knew of many places in the town that were quite unsuitable for occupation. Mr D. I. Gate said the policy of that Department seemed to be densely against families of more than two children. He knew of appalling conditions in inhabited premises. Mr C. Croall said he would question the reliability of Mr Gate’s information in an instance he had quoted. _________