“RIGHTS INFRINGED”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26628, 26 November 1947, Page 6

“RIGHTS INFRINGED”

OWNERS OF EMPTY HOUSES RETURNED SERVICES’ - ATTITUDE “ Recent legislation regarding the compulsory letting of houses is treading. on dangerous ground,” said Mr K. Stewart at a meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Returned Services’ Association last night. “ Unless adequate safeguards are provided individual property rights might be infringed,” added Mr Stewart. “We are aware of the desperate need for housing of some of our members,” said Mr A. H. J. Jeavons, “ but it is regrettable that the Government has taken this action. In our efforts to assist our members we have imperilled the freedom of every citizen of the Dominion. The housing shortage is due,” he said, “to the shortage of labour and Government ineptitude.” Unjustifiable Legislation

Investigation by the executive into the number of empty houses in Dunedin had only revealed one case where there was no excuse on the part of the landlord, said Mr W. P. Wellington. The new regulations would do little to relieve the housing situation in Dunedin, and were not justified. Mr P. Cameron:' We are all violently opposed to them. It was decided to defer discussion on the matter until it was discovered whether the Otago delegates had supported the original recommendation to the Government at the council’s annual conference. Rehabilitation Loans

“Rehabilitation in New Zealand has been allowed to run riot,” exclaimed Mr Jeavons during a discussion on a letter from a member of the association relating the circumstances in which he was refused a £ 100 furniture loan. Loans totalling over £2300 had already been granted by' the Rehabilitation Department for his house and business, which were now valued at £7OOO, he stated, and he had about £7OO in the bank.

“ Without any sense of shame I have handled professionally, successful applications for furniture loans from exservicemen with up to £15,000 in the bank,” said Mr Jeavons. “This was an entirely unnecessary drain on the taxpayer.” Mr Wood said that the policy of the department had changed recently and there was now a means test. The granting of loans, however, still rested with the local committees, he added.

The importance of executive members attending functions of country branches was stressed by Mr W. E. Earnshaw. Mr Jeavons said that these visits were part of the duties of the executive, and should be shared more equitably.