HOUSING POLICY

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22513, 23 November 1944, Page 4

HOUSING POLICY

COUNCIL DIVIDED STATE RESPONSIBILITY The Hamilton Borough Council last night had another close division, concerning the policy regarding municipal and State housing. Two councillors were absent, leaving 11 to vote, including the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro and the voting was six to five. The Nelson City Council wrote seeking support of its representations to the Prime Minister regarding housing. The Nelson council’ said it was perturbed by the seriousness of the housing position and was anxious to make its contribution toward the solution. It advised the Prime Minister that under the conditions on which finance was at present available local bodies were unable to undertake housing schemes on terms which would make houses available at prices within the income of the average wage and salary earner. If a municipal housing scheme were undertaken under existing conditions a serious financial burden would probably fall sooner or later on the ratepayers. It was suggested as desirable that the Prime Minister should give a lead to local bodies as to ways in which they could best help, and should make finance available. Opposing Views The Mayor, Mr Caro, said the Hamilton council had realised the need for more houses in- the emergency, and had proceeded to build three small homes. He moved that the communication from Nelson be received. The deputy-Mayor, Mrs H. C. Ross, seconded the motion. Mr W. R. Shattock said he agreed with the course suggested by Nelson. All local bodies concerned with the housing shortage should press the Government to provide more houses where needed and to provide finance for local bodies to supplement the Government’s efforts. It was a national obligation to house the people. He moved as an amendment that Hamilton send a somewhat similar resolution to the Government. Mr T. Parker seconded, saying the Government was in the best position to provide houses. If it could not meet the demand it should make it easier for municipalities to build, by removing the sales tax on materials. Cheaper finance could be provided. Mr H. M. Hammond said the Nelson resolution virtually condemned Hamilton’s building scheme. There was, he declared, a real need for more houses in all progressive towns, especially Hamilton. The local body must do something to supplement the Government’s efforts. Many thousands of young servicemen returning to the Dominion would need houses. Personally, he would willingly pledge his own home to assist in meeting the need. Council’s Efforts The Mayor said that if support were given to the letter of the Nelson resolution it would mean that the Hamilton council was contradicting its earlier decision. An experiment had been carried out at Frankton in the erection of three cottages. It had been agreed to go on with the No. 1 Bridge scheme, also to seek authority to erect blocks of flats at Whitiora. Mr A. J. Denz said the Government could provide loan money at less than 3 per cent. Money for the State houses was obtained at 1 per cent. However, the tendency to ask the Government for everything was unwise. Many local bodies and individuals were shirking their responsibilities. He thought the scheme adopted in Hamilton was a good one, and he did not wish to do anything to undermine it. “Let Nelson do as Hamilton has done,” said the speaker. Mr R. Braithwaite said that if the scheme for flats was to provide 52 additional homes he would favour it; but building materials were scarce, and under the project the local body would be competing with the Government for those materials. National Problem He did not agree with the policy of going to the Government for everything, but housing was a national problem. The Government was in the most favourable position, having first claim on materials. Support of the proposal from Nelson would help to remove abuses and bottlenecks. The Hamilton scheme would not accelerate provision of more houses. Mrs H. C. Ross said she would not like to prejudice the council’s case. She had only that day learned of a serviceman, home 12 months, who was still waiting for a house. The council should press on with its own scheme. Mr Shattock’s amendment, to support the Nelson resolution, was then put. The voting was—For: Messrs Shattock, E. J. Watkins, Rarker, W. W. Dillicar and Braithwaite. Against, the Mayor, Mrs Ross, Messrs E. G. Scrimshaw, Arthur Fow, Hammond and Denz. The Mayor’s motion to receive the Nelson communication was then carried on the voices.