“WORKERS’ HOMES.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 83, 29 July 1914, Page 6

“WORKERS’ HOMES.”

EXTENSION OF THE SYSTEM

ADVOCATED. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, July 29. “Workers’ Homes” were discussed at the Agricultural Conference to-day, when the following motion was moved by Mr Morrison (Masterton) and seconded by Mr Stndholme (Canterbury) —That the system of aiding town workers to obtain homes, and the Other Workers’ Dwellings Act, bo extended into the country districts so that rural workers may he enabled to secure homes of their own without stipulation,s\that six or more shall apply for financial help in one .centre; and also that arrangements do made to extend the time for repayment so as to reduce the amount payable annually.

Mr Morrison stated that his experience in the Wairarapa and right along the East Coast was that farmers did not give men sufficient inducement to have homes of their own.

Other speakers stated that their experience in erecting homes for their workers had proved satisfactory.

Mr Conway (Manawatu) protested against continually going to the Government for everything that they wanted. The farmer made money out of farming,and if he could not make his men comfortable ho deserved to be without them.

The Conference passed the resolution, and also decided to thank the Government for the splendid powers conferred upon county councils, enabling them to assist farm workers to provide homes for themselves, and to urge tho advisability of encouraging county councils to take advantage of these new powers by advancing them loans for the purpose as occasion requires at tho lowest rate of interest tho Government can afford.