EVICTED FROM THEIR HOME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 April 1939, Page 8

EVICTED FROM THEIR HOME

AUCKLAND FAMILY’S PLIGHT. FURNITURE PUT OUT ON STREET. (By Telecraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 5. Evicted from their home at Grey’s Avenue for being behind with the rent, a man and his sick wife and three young children sought shelter from the cold and rain tonight, huddled together beside an adjoining shop till rescued from their plight by the city missioner, tlie Rev. Jaspar Calder. Except for the husband, who stood guard for the remainder of the night over his furniture and other belongings, which were piled on the footpath, the family was taken at 10.30 p.m. to the People's Palace. The family consisted of Mr and Mrs A. A. Stewart, one child aged two and a half years, another 15 months, and the third, a baby of only six weeks. “I have been here for three years this Easter.” said Mr Stewart,- pointing to his home, entrance to which was barred with, scraps of old iron brought round from the backyard and pieces of furniture. "I am a labourer, but in the past year have had only four months’ work. Sometimes I have got sustenance and sometimes not. The last job I had was for three weeks and I am about £2l behind with the rent. My wife has been very ill for the past three and a half years. “Because I was behind with the rent I was summonsed about three weeks ago to appear before the Magistrate’s Court, but my solicitor said it was not worth while appearing. 1 did noi and ilie Court made an order for immediate possession. The bailiff, however, has been very good and lias held the matter over several times. •’With my wife I left homo about 10 o’clock this morning, neighbours minding the children,” Mr Stewart continued, “I had to report at the Labour Bureau at 2 o'clock. While I was there a man came down and told me my furniture had been put out into the street.

"We went home, and to our amazement there was our furniture and belongings out. in the rain. Neighbours had taken some of it away to look after it, but some things are missing. I have tried everywhere to get accommodation for my family, but without success.”