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(18) HOUSING.
Although a number of houses and flats have been
built during the year, there is still a shortage of workingclass
dwellings available at economic rents.
During 1934, demolition orders were made on 23
houses, 22 of which were demolished (one by the owner
and 21 by the Council). The owner who demolished his
house has utilised the site for the erection of four houses.
The sites of the other houses, comprising two small areas,
have been purchased by the Council and will be) used for
re-housing purposes. The other house was demolished
early in 1935.
The Council erected 30 maisonettes during the year,
these being chiefly occupied by displaced tenants from
the above-mentioned demolished houses and by families
removed from overcrowded conditions. These maisonettes
are let at a weekly rent of 8/4 to 8/7, exclusive of
rates, and meet the needs of a class who could not afford
the rent of a Council house. To some extent, therefore,
they may be said to have assisted in overcoming the
housing shortage.
A large estate of houses for sale (occupation can be
made on payment of a small deposit) is being developed
by private enterprise on the edge of the District, while
other groups of similar houses have been erected in
various parts of the District.
Pending the issue of further information by the
Ministry of Health on the overcrowding question, the
Council deferred consideration of the adoption of byelaws
dealing with houses-let-in-lodgings.
Overcrowding cases brought to the notice of the
Department are reported to the Public Health and Housing
Committee, who give special consideration to such cases
when allotting Council houses.
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