HOUSING SCHEME.

Shannon News, 31 March 1922, Page 3

HOUSING SCHEME.

PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS

• A special meeting of the Shannon Borough Council was held on Tuesday evening .to make further arrangements in connection with the scheme for erecting workers’ cottages, plans for which have already been drawn. The Mayor (Mr W. Murdoch) presided, and there were also present Crs. Hook, Fargher, Gardner, Hyde, Murray and Spencer. The first question to be decided was how to obtain a section on which to erect the cottages, and councillors generally expressed the opinion that the best and fairest method would be to call applications. It would thus afford everyone an opportunity of bringing their land under the notice of the Council, and would obviate the possibility of an£ recriminations later from persons who might consider they were overlooked. It was agreed that ah acre of land would be sufficient. Accordingly, on the motion of Cr. Spencer, it- was resolved that the Council advertise for land in the borough suitable for building, and about an acre in extent,

IN CASE OF FIRE

In regard to the sum to be paid down by the tenant on taking possession it. was decided that £SO would be sufficient. The ter ant, it was ex-.-1 ained, would- also have to pay the irsurance premiuni and rates in addition to the rent.

“In the event of a fire, do we have to erect another cottage?” asked Cr. Fargher.

Cr. Hyde: No, it is the purchaser's loss. We Avould have the insurance money and his £SO deposit as well as the land.

The Mayor explained that the Council would not be under any obligation. to rebuild. If the occupier wished to do so he could, and then he would have the insurance money to assist him.

C.r. Murray suggested-that a clause should be inserted in this connection, "as in a couple of years’ time a house that now cost £SOO might be erected for £SOO.

The Mayor: Oh, no; the occupier should have the benefit of that.

PAYING OFF THE RENT

Cr. Hyde said the Council would have to pay per cent interest on the money expended, and 1 per cent sinking fund. That would have to. be paid by the tenant' and it was a question of how much more should be added on to the rent.

The Mayor explained that The interest would gradually be reduced as file principal was redeemed by the sinking fund. Cr. Gardner was of tlie opinion that a small sum should be added on as a set-off against any contingencies that might arise. In time it could be used to reduce-'the principal.

The Mayor said a previous loan had been obtained from the Advances to Settlers’ Office for a period of 36| years. He was not sure whether this one could be got for the same neriod.

It was explained that the Government would supply a tabulated statement of the payments that, would be required to pay off the loan in the time for which the money was lent, and it was agreed that the matter could be looked into when a table was received. In this connection the Mayor consented to get as much information as possible for the next meeting of the Council.

HOT WATER SYSTEM

The discussion then turned to constructional matters and fittings in the houses. Cr. Hyde explained that the estimated price of £615 included only a hot water boiler -in the range, without any service.

Cr. Murray said the Council was going in for a high-pressure water supply, and then the tenants would be wanting a hot-water system installed. Most people would be prepared to pay a shilling or two extra for such a convenience.

Cr. Spencer considered that if a hot water system Avas installed the lank capacity would- have to be increased from 800 gallons to 1600. The whole affair would cost another £3O. Cr. Gardner said the tenants would save the extra amount required in the reduced fuel bills, as they would not have to have extra fires to supply hot water for .washing or bathing purposes while the range was alight.

Cr. Hyde explained that if the system Avas adopted the type of range would be altered, and the expenditure entailed in having a range fitted with a boiler at the side would' be saved and Avoukl be a set-off to the extra amount involved.

Cr. Murray and others considered that 1200 gallons of water! at each house would be sufficient.

It Avas then agreed to have the plans amended so as to include the installation of a hot. water system {and the provision of extra storage capacity for water to the extent of 1200 gallons.