DEARTH OF HOUSES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 202, 21 May 1919, Page 3

DEARTH OF HOUSES

SHOCKING CONDITION OF AFFAIRS

VIEWS OP A MAGISTRATE

Pointed reference to the acute housing problem in Wellington was made bv both counsel mid tho Bench at tho 'Afng-is-trate's Court yesterday. "It seems * gliockiiur condition of affairs, but it is a fact, that tho noor people of this city have no places to lay their heads, although we arc govcrnvii by tho best, brains of both parlies," re'marked Mr. I'. J. O'flojfan, whoso client was a fisherman with nine children, living at Island Bay. Tho man admitted that he owed tho rent and that lie should give up possession of the house in which no was living, ■ in compliance with an order of tho Court, but his difficulty had been to find another place, lives of his nine children wore under lli years of aye, jfud ono wna only three weeks old. "It is a scandalous condition of affairs," oornmonted Mr. O'Regan. 'Tho defendant is a fisherman at Island Bay who ha* had hard lucjc. If any man deservra consideration it is the father of nine children. He surely deserves well of the country." The Hon. T. W. Hislop, who appeared for tho landlord, said that his client wanted tho house for himself, having bought it without knowing the position tho defendant was in. Plaintiff would not 'ba hard on tho defendant provided possession could be obtained: within a reasonable time. Mr. O'Regan: I am sure that no ona could be more sympathetic with my client than Mr. Hislop, because lie knows tho very hard position people in tho city are placed in owing to the scarcity of houses. I know tho man, who is a neighbour of mine, and I appear cut of sympathy with him. It is a very hard case. "I have always felt rather worried about.these cases,", remarked Mr. IVazer, "and particularly when it is ,1 eruo of a person buying a house over some other unfortunate's head. I know people are sometimes forced to buy houses bn-ause they cannot get them in any other way. But it is unfortunate for a person who cannot buy a houso because lie Jm* not tho money to put down as a depctit. If tho house ho lives in is sold he is the one who has to go out. It seems to jtie that ho is the person who deserves protection." Tho case- was adjourned until tomorrow in order to give Mr. Jfislop an opportunity of communicating with his client. The defendant in another'case in which possession of a house was claimed said that he was a widower with thrre children. He knew that he would Live to get out of tho place, but could not find another house that would be suitable for him. He wanted as long a! time as pcasiblo in order to have a look ciound for another house. i The owner of the house in '-Inch flis fendant lived said that she desired to obtain possession as 30on as possible, as sho wanted to open a shop. At the present time the place was untidy and was a "disgrace to .Wellington." Mr. Frazer: A good many places are like that here. Defendant: It is very hard to get a house. Mr. Frazer: I know what it'is: I have gone through tho mill. I can tell yom, I don't like taking these cases. I always feel sore about ordering a man to get ou,t of a place, because I know it is very hard to get another: Defendant .was allowed three weeks in which to find another house.