AN EVICTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1926, Page 4

AN EVICTION.

SHOP-DWELLING PULLED DOWN

AUCKLAND, Jan. 5,

A small sensation was caused in the vicinity of Eden Park yesterday afternoon and evening, when the eviction of a tenant and the demolition of her home was carried out. The “wrecking gang” commenced to pull the place to pieces shortly after noon, and by 5 p.m. the “home” was no more. There was the tenant with all her goods and chattels round her, sitting on the footpath, whilst her husband stood talking to a policeman. As late as 10.15 p.m. the woman and her husband were still on tlio footpath, surrounded by what was left of their home. A large crowd of interested spectators bad gathered, and someone suggested taking round the hat. The idea was taken up with enthusiasm, and a fair amount was collected.

The history of the affair goes hacksome months. The place was a shop at which soft drinks and such like things were sold. Ft was not a dwelling. but simply a lock-up shop. As far hack as last October complaints concerning it were received by the Mount Albert Borough Council, and an inspection took place. Following this, the Health Department sent out representatives to make further investigations. Meantime more complaints of the alleged insanitary nature of the whole premises were made bv residents. As a result. It was deemed expedient that what is termed a closing order should he issued. It was discovered that the tenant was living on the premises. The shop portion had lreen partitioned off by a curtain, belli ml which the cooking and curing of food took place. Underneath the “dugotit,” as it was called, was an improvised bedroom, the floor of which was of mother earth. The tenant was told that she had to give up living on the premises and make certain alterations. This, it is alleged, she refused to do, and later on she brought her husband to live with her at the place. Iteneated requests for her to vacate the premises proved unavailing, and the final result was the issuing of a demolition order, which took effect yesterday.