The Housing Problem

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 189, 9 May 1944, Page 4

The Housing Problem

Sir, —We have heard a lot of late about slum clearances, yet no one has so far seriously tackled the problem of slum prevention. This is often caused by owners of property having no surplus capital to carry out certain repairs as they become necessary. The discontinuance of exterior or interior maintenance causes the dwelling to look, and eventually become, a blot on the landscape. The tenant shifts to a new State house, the vacated property in its disrepair does not appeal, a stone goes through the window, followed by several more. These gaps are covered tip by boards and old corrugated iron. Sometimes, in the past, the speculator builder has taken over these places, and made them look attractive, then resold at a profit. Today, the Land Sales Act will curtail this activity considerably. In my travels throughout New Zealand I have noticed that several houses of the older type are vacant, quite a quantity that could house those with larger families, or be converted into double units.' Cannot these dwellings be brought baek into use? If the owners can not afford renovations, the State or city councils could buy the properties, and by utilizing the repatriated trainees, so giving them practical experience, convert these places into habitable dwellings, by painting the exteriors, and redecorating the interiors. So treated, these houses could give invaluable service for, say, 10 or 15 years, with the minimum use of new material. Drainage, light, water and the usual hardware are already installed. New Zealand-made wallboard could be used on the interior walls; no wallpaper involving overseas sterling need be used, pastel shades of New Zealand distemper are available for an attractive interior colour scheme. After 10 or 15 years, the State or city council owning the freehold of the property could then rebuild a modern home. Is there not someone with vision who will act, and so bring these houses back into use, help solve the housing shortage nt little cost, and provide homes at low rentals?—l am, etc., A.D. 1944. Wellington, May 5.