THAT LODGINGHOUSE INQUIRY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1036, 27 January 1911, Page 6

THAT LODGINGHOUSE INQUIRY.

Shortly after tho recent fatal fire at a boardinghous-3 in Johnston Street, Councillor J. P. Luke, M.P., then ActingMayor of the city during the absence, on holiday, of Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., publicly stated that an" "exhaustive inquiry" would be held into the circumstances connected with the fire, and the adequacy or otherwiso of the fire appliances. Nothing has since-been heard of this inquiry, and at last night's meeting of the City Council, Councillor Eindmarsh referred to the matter. "During your absence, your Worship, I noticed in the press that (he Acting-Mayor had' inado a statement in connection with the Johnston Street fire, and made some reference to the condition of the lodginghouses in the city. What is the council's responsibility ih this matter?"' "

"After the fire," observed Councillor Fletcher, "I. noticed in tho newspapers that tho Deputy-Mayor had promised an exhaustive inquiry. When is that inquiry to be held?"

"It's the first I've heard of it," replied tho Major.- - Councillor M'Laren, M.P., asked whether the council could not proceed upon its authority under the by-laws, and exercise some supervision over those lodginghouses. Tho Mayor replied tlaet the difficulty was to dciino what a louginghouse was. Ho thonght-now that it was a pity, when the Municipal Corporations Act was drafted, and a clauso put in giving councils authority over restaurants, that lodginghouses bad not also been provided for. Special legislation, would be required. Wifh regard to the inquiry referred to, he thought that in justice to Mr. Luke, who was absent on leave, the council should await-his return before, further discussing the question.. (Hear, hear.)