HOUSING PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 239, 6 July 1944, Page 3

HOUSING PROBLEM

Karori National Party Discussion An inform.-H discussion on housing wns hold by members of (he Ivurori brunch of the National I’arty J.ast. night. Tiie. chairman, Mr. D. O. Whyte, explained that, this was one of a series of meetings to interest members in the political offyears. It. was not to promote political strife, but: to encourage educative, and constructive thought, and add to members’ genoral knowledge of national questions. lie welcomed Mr. Bowden, AI.P. for Wellington West. There were three set speakers. Mrs. If. F. Gilmour, Mr. J. 11. Thompson and .Mr. A. 11. Brooks', branch deputy chairman. with Mr. W. 1’ Shot-land giving a lihort concluding summary M'enihe.rs also contributed to the discussion from the floor. Mr. Brooks made five points. These were long-range planning to overtake the building lag and guarantee security of employment to the great numbers engaged in building and allied trades; Government', or municipal or building society finance: the re-estnblishinent of the small builder; selected designs approved by the Government or a. committec of architects, or a limited cost, basis to enable people to build according to their means; tenant-ownership to preserve pride of ownership, initiative and independence. Mrs. Gilmour, advanced the angle of the vital place of the home in nationhood; houses that would be homes in the real sense of being sufficiently large and convenient to provide ti harmonious environment for both parents and children. Mr. Thompson regretted the' state of affairs which had reduced the private builder to the. status of a wageearner in big construction concerns. Whatever the original intention he felt the 'State houses had not been built, in size, for families, or let to the poorer people. Those in a position to build for themselves should not ger. State houses, There should be a type of means test Io qualify for them. Municipalities' should lie financed in housing schemes at the same rate of interest the Government had for its own scheme, llur.'il housing should also lie carried out on a large scale to arrest the drift to the cities and provide homes for married men who wanted to work in the country for whatever employers they chose. Workers like these, wilh their own good homes, would bo a great asset in country districts.