THE HOUSING BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1920, Page 5

THE HOUSING BILL.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE. MEASURE PUT THROUGH. By Teleeraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In the Legislative Council this afternoon, Sir Francis Bell moved the second reading of the Housing Bill. Dwelling briefly on the main provisions of the measure, Sir Francis Bell i>aid an important amendment was to b« marto to the clause which empowered a magistrate to increase the standard rent so as to allow a net income of seven per cent, on the capital value. The clause as it appeared in the Bill spoke of capital value as existing to-day, but should have been capital value as at August 3, 1914. Rent restriction; he reminded members, applied only to tenancies existing at the outbreak of the war.

The Hon. W. J. Geddis said it was unfortunate that it was not generally known that rent restrictions did not apply to new buildings.

The Hon. 0. Samuel regretted there was no provision to meet the requirements of Harbor Boards. Sir Francis Bell: "I think that is intended in some other Act."

Mr. Samuel added that considering tho difficulties the Bill was an admirable one.

The Hon. M. Cohen urged the Minister to find some way of assisting Harbor Boards to house employees. The Hon. J. Barr said local bodies seemed not to be doing anything under the Act; they contented themselves with passing resolutions calling on the Government to do the work. It would be better if England's plan was adopted, and more responsibility was thrown on local authorities. The latter, for a start, should take a census of the requirements of their own districts. The extending of assistance to utility societies was a chance for unions to show they wore something more than political associations.

The Hon. E. W. Alison welcomed the. new provisions regarding' rent restrictions, which had been too harsh in the past.

The' Hon. P ,T. Nerheny said the Bill was a step in the right direction, though ho was doubtful about it carrying out all it promised. He thought the clause governing the rent of rooms might be harmful. The real remedy lay in each man owning bis own house.

The Bill was committed, ancV'amcnded as outlined by Sir Francis Bell in moving the second reading. The Bill was then reported and read a third time.