THE HOUSING PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1920, Page 11

THE HOUSING PROBLEM.

THE WELLINGTON SCHEME. The municipal housing scheme in Wellington was advanced a further stage on Tuesday last, when the Wellington City Council adopted a number of amended regulations with reference to the disposal of houses erected under the municipal housing scheme. The regulations, as approved, contain the following provisions:— That houses be erected and sold to approved applicants by ballot. The Housing Committee to have the right to schedule applications, and if necessary to put ,to ballot only such applications as they consider are justified by the meritß on the individual cases.

That all houses be built of brick, con crete, or other durable material.

That no purchaser from the Council of any dwelling so to be erected by the Council shall be entitled to sell or dispose of his interest in the property for a period of five years after his purchase from the Council unless the consent of the Council first had been obtained.

That a minimum deposit of £SO be required from each successful applicant. Larger deposits will, nowever, be accepted from those who desire to shorten the period of purchase. Sub-letting is prohibited. Circumstances warranting special treatment may, however, be considered by the Council.

That repayments (including interest and principal) be spread over a period of, say, 36J years in the case of a brick or concrete building, and, say, 25J years in the case of wooden buildings on a bases in accordance with standard scale; the payment of instalments to be fortnightly. Provision to be made for repayment of principal in sums of £5, or any multiple thereof, provided that the whole of the principal shall not be accepted within a period of five years from date of purchase That 12J per cent, overhead charges (10 per cent, supervision, and 2Ys per cent, administrative charges) be added to the cost of each property, or such lower charges be fixed as are found by the committee to be sufficient or necessary.

That the successful applicants be responsible for repairs and maintenance, and that a charge of £5 per house be paid by the successful applicants and set aside as a reserve fund to cover any minor repairs or alterations which may be required within a period of three months after the buildings are out of the builders' hands. In the event of repairs not being carried out after notice from Council, the Council may undertake the work and charge the cost taereof against the purchaser. Buildings will be insured for their full insurable value in favor of the Wellington City Corporation until purchase is completed. The insurance premium to be paid by the purchaser in one sum annually. City rates must be paid by the purchaser, in accordance with the provision ef tha Rating Act.