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It will be seen that 1,450 houses have been erected
since the commencement of 1921, and if one were to agree
with the Registrar-General that the population had increased
by only 1,784 in approximately the same time one would
think that the shortage of houses in the district was rapidly
disappearing. It is well known, however, that most of the new
houses, apart from those owned by the Council, have been
occupied by immigrants into the district. The Council now
owns a total of 360 houses which vary in size from 3 rooms
to 6 rooms, and it is regrettable to have to state that a
very considerable number of the larger houses are sub-let.
Towards the end of 1925 an analysis was made of the
families of 348 applicants for Council houses, and it was
found that in 70 per cent. the total family was 4 or less.
If such applicants are given a house with living room,
parlour and three bedrooms, the rent of which they have
difficulty in paying, one must admit that there is a considerable
temptation to sub-let, and unfortunately in a large
number of cases in the past the temptation has been irresistible.
In his report for the year 1924, my predecessor
expressed the view that there was a considerable need for
a number of small houses containing a living room, bathroom,
scullery and two bedrooms, houses which could be
let at a figure approaching an economic rent. I am in
entire agreement with this view.
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