Housing in Palmerston North

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 27, 2 February 1937, Page 8

Housing in Palmerston North

SURVEY TO BE UNDERTAKEN The preparation of a nousing survey, as required under the Housing Survey Act, 1936, was considered by the works committee of the Palmerston North City Council last week, when it was decided that the Director of Housing Construction should be asked to advise whether a special area showing the greatest congestion or an. area showing the general lay-out of tho city would require to be included in a map showing a definite portion of the district where the council proposed to carryout such survey. The action of the Mayor in communicating with the Municipal Association regarding the cost of housing surveys was confirmed. A report by the city engineer (Air. J. R. Hughes) which came before the meeting read as follows:—“The Housing {Survey Regulations Act makes it obligatory for every borough with a population of not less than 1000 to make a housing survey, the general purpose of which is to ascertain tho extent to which existing housing accommodation falls short of reasonable requirements. For this purpose statements have to be forwarded giving full details of the number and sizes of rooms, the condition of dwelling houses and all other particulars including valuation and rental, and the extent of overcrowding and population densities in residential areas. ‘ 1 The council now has to decide upon the areas to bq covered by th 9 survey, and after due consideration of the areas wherein old housing conditions prevail, I am of the opinion that this city is very fortunate in not having many overcrowded areas. An accompanying plan shows the suggested area? in which a survey might be desirable. “A manual of instruction has now been received, laying down the procedure to be adopted and the information to bo collected. Suitable investigators , are to be appointed. These are to be men possessing reasonable judgment and tact, and having experience in approaching and dealing with people. The information to be obtained is somewhat personal, and the persons appointed will have to exercise a good deal of tact in certain cases. The appointment of a supervisor is also recommended, who would be placed in charge of both field and office work. The instructions contain tho general rules to be observed by investigators. There are many other particulars embodied in the manual, including charts and forms showing how the information is to be compiled.' ;