A DEVIL’S HALF-ACRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19996, 13 January 1927, Page 10

A DEVIL’S HALF-ACRE.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —A committtee wag recently formed in the Town Hall to try and put a stop to the existence of depreciated buildings. Hero is a piece of land, about a quarter acre, on which are eight buildings with double storeys, and four shops with two other dwellings each of about five rooms. The backyards of most of these dwell ings do not cxceecd 12ft x 12ft. and they are divided by fences. It is absolutely impossible for the sun, wind, or air to get jnto these buildings. The buildings were allowed to bo erected during the time some of the present councillors were in power, 1 have mentioned this matter to the present council, and only one councillor has so far visited the district. The approach to these houses is a street only 25ft wide. As in this piece of land there are lanee and alleyways, I have a very good, case to bring before the committee which was formed in the Town Hall. Is there any wonder the owner is an absentee? Without a doubt he has established his kingdom because there are four nationalities residing in these houses. It is high time such buildings were removed. There are also other places equally as bad which I shall bring. before the committee. 1 should like Dr Hercus to accompany mo in visiting them.—l am, etc., John Downje. Macandrew road. South Dunedin.