RURAL HOUSING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 141, 15 May 1940, Page 9

RURAL HOUSING

ACTION IN MANAWATU. COUNTY COUNCIL LOAN. Whether action should be taken to further the application of the Rural Housing Act was a matter debated at the monthly meeting of the Manawatu County Council, yesterday. It was decided to make application for a loan of £IO,OOO to be applied, if required, in loans to ratepayers requiring money for the building or the improvement of houses for employees. . . Stating that he had been visited by an official from the State Advances Corporation, who was seeking the cooperation of the council in promoting the application of the Act, the clerk (Mr A. K. Drew) presented a report outlining the scheme. Cr R. A. AVilson opposed the coun r cil assuming any liability under the scheme, saying the councillors and the council officials had ample work to occupy their attention now. The clerk explained that the liability for the rent for the houses lay on the land (the loans costing 3( per cent, interest) and that these mortgages assumed priority over all other mortgages. A-discussion ensued as to whether mortgagees would permit the raising of another mortgage ahead of theirs, the view being finally expressed that the scheme would be of value to the mortgagees. 1 The clerk said that already two or three applications had been received, and the chairman (Cr AV. E. Barber) commented that the council was bound to receive a good number. There had been much discussion at Farmers’ Union meetings and at those of other bodies on the problem of farm labour, and additional housing, would alleviate tlie position. The council would have to give the matter careful consideration. After a further examination of the subject it was decided, on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Cr A. N. Morcom. that the council make application for a preliminary amount of £10.060. This motion was carried.