HOUSING PROBLEM DISCUSSED

Chronicle (Levin), 12 June 1947, Page 2

HOUSING PROBLEM DISCUSSED

labour party asks for stricter control WELLIN GTON,, June 11. v On the reeommendation .of the housing committee in a report gresented by Mr. M. Moohan, M.P.,. ,the. Labour Party conferenee today adopted ihe" following resolution: "That the' buiiding control be tiglitened ug -and more severe penalties be inflieted for_ breaclies of the regulations and jtjiat local committees be appointed to supfervise and recommend on the issue 0t .- building permits." Another reeommendation from the committee was that the Government investigate the question of goodwiil with particular reference to the goodwill of hotels. In not supporting a remit which suggested that saies of property by auction should be abolished, the committee recommended that a ceiling price be fixed before the sale is made. The committee favoured the continuance of the building of houses by trainees and reported that an investigation of the supply, manufacture and distribufton of building materials was already in hand. A remit suggesting that any land agent convieted of a breach of the Land Saies Act be delicensed, was adopted. Speaking on the report, Mr. Moohan pointed out that the present penalty for breaches of the building regulations, was a maximum of £200 hne or 12 months' imprisonment or both, in the case of an individual, or a fine of up": to £1000 in the case of a company. ' ' I think that the first . Magistrate who sends any one committing a serious breach to gaol, should be made a* Viseount," declared Mr. Moohan. The Minister of Rehabilitation, Mr. Skinner, referring to a remit dealing with the rehabilitation of trainees, said the policy of the department was to en: courage cooperative building by fully trained irainees with financial assistance from the department for the purchase of equipment. Instructors had been requested to discuss this aspect of tbe building trade with the trainees about to complete their course. Already a good number of cooperative schemes were in operation. Well over IOOu houses were built by trainees alone last year and the number was continuing to increase. The Minister of Works, Mr. -Semple, in a short address, said New Zealand had built more State houses of'a superior type, on a population basis, than any other country in the world. Jtie had challenged the Opposition to point out any country which had done better but they had not answered him. } ~ Mr. Semple said it was hoped that the inclusion-of women on committees ..being- set up t&oGonsider housing, miu.t.ters, would enable the committees to cooperate with the Housing Department in giving the best possible service. "1 know there have been abuses," said Mr. Semple, "but it is impossible for one Minister to keep his eye on everything that's going on." Referring to the question concerning goodwill being asked for ernpty premises, the Minister of Labour, Mr. McLagan, told the conferenee that it was completely illegal for any owner to demand payment in consideration for the o'ceupancy of any premises. In reply to a question Mr. Moohan said that squatting was no short cut to State house tenancy. There had to be a "fair go" and if squatters were allowed, every State or private house would be occupied overnight. "The only way that State houses are going to be* allocated is on the basis of equity and justice, " declared Mr. Moohan. "Squatters and those who encourage them only create more hardships for themselves and for others. The Government would' not tolerate squatting. ' ' The report was unanimously adopted.