Workers’ Dwellings Act.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 18, 3 May 1911, Page 6

Workers’ Dwellings Act.

The advantages obtainable under the Workers’ Dwellings Act, 1910, have proved very attractive to large numbers of workers in Auckland district since the Act came into operation a few weeks ago. The first instalment of some 200 application forms was received by Mr J. Shanahan, Inspector of Factories, on the 18th inst., and by the 22nd the supply was exhausted. Many of the applications were by post, from residents of Tauranga, Dargaville, Hamilton, and other centres, as well as from Auckland City. Besides this, it is known that many persons wrote direct to Wellington for forms, which were filled in and returned direct, without passing through the local labour office.

. The Act provides that any worker, being in receipt of not more than £ 175 a year, and being landless, may borrow a sum not exceeding £6OO for the purchase of land and a dwelling, which latter will be erected according to one of several alternative plans prepared by the Public Works Department's architects. The dwelling must be erected on land set apart by the Government for workers’ dwellings. The scheme of repayment includes a deposit of £lO, ami thereafter a half-yearly payment of £3 10/ on each £ 100 borrowed. Interest is charged at the rate of 5 per oent., and the rest of each payment goes to wiping off the debt in 25 years. Applications for lease or tenancy of workers’ dwellings will also be entertained. All applications are at present being dealt with fo Wellington, but boards will be ccnstituted in the various districts as soon as they are required.