FAIR RENTS BILL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1830, 16 August 1913, Page 5

FAIR RENTS BILL.

IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

PROPOSALS BY THE LABOUR MINISTER.

TENANTS' COURT OF APPEAL. By Tolograph—Pro«G ABsociaUon-CopyneM Sydney, August 15. •In the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Griffith, Minister for Public Works, introduced a Fair Routs Bill. Tho meastiro proposes to establish a Court for fixing tho rentals of housss of whicli the rents are thirty shillings weekly, or less, in case 3 where objection is raised by tenant or landlord. The Government's other proposals are tho construction of residential suburbs like Daceyville, and the provision of money cheaply, for building purposos, with repayments over a long period. Mr. Griffith explained that the Conrt would be a very simple tribunal, and would not cost tho applicants a penny. In a tenant's claim the evidence would bo submitted to the landlord, who would have the fullest opportunity of reply. The Registrar would have the assistance of expert valuers. Tho capital value of the land would be the full valuo, plus the value of the land on the rate-book 3 of the municipality. A great many of these valuations were at present unreliable. After the first year, however, there would be conclusive evidence regarding tho capital Talue.

A member inquired whether the magistrate's determination would be final.

Mr. Griffith's only reply was that tho information would be sent to a magistrate from landlord's and tenant's experts.

Another member: "Will there bo any obligation for the landlord' to take in tenants at tho rent fixed."

Mr. Griffith: "Tho landlord must not exceed tho rent fixed by the Court nor fix a return greater than 10 per centum— namely, 7i net and an additional 2J gross." During tho debate a member oeked was not a person borrowing money on mortgage entitled to a fair return. Mr. Griffith:. "Yes; we fix the rate at 1J per centum abovo the mortgage rate. The closure was applied by 31 votes to 86; then the main question was agreed to by 34 to 27. Tho second reading was fixed for next sitting day. "EVERY HOUSE ITS OWN LAW- . SUIT.". -"WHY NOT COURTS FOR EVERYTHING?" Sydnoy, August 15. Commenting on tho Fair Rents Bill, the "Herald" says: "There must be a Court to fix the price of butter, another to settle the cost of boots; there will bo an egg Court, a hat Court, a soap Court, a Court for overcoats, macintoshes, and umbrellas, and every article under the sun. The most fitting title for the Bill would be: 'Every house its own lawsuit.' "