TOWNS AND INDUSTRY. 
Towns and Industry. 
By EBENEZER HOWARD, The Younger. 
HOUSING PROBLEMS AND EFFICIENCY. 
Recently, efforts have emanated from Sydney with the object of 
introducing certain American methods in housing, on the iplea of solvy- 
ing existing problems in Australia. These efforts apparently begin with 
the claims of certain space-saving devices and end in flats and tene- 
ments. ‘he propagandist literature in support of the claims clearly 
challenges the economic and social utility of the Australian one-family 
detached thouse, and seeks to substitute a closer and denser form of 
building, the trend of which is towards an increase in overcrowding. 
The matter does not wholly concern Sydney, where the growth of flats 
and overcrowding has long been viewed with apprehension by those 
actively interested in modern housing and town planning. Propagandist 
literature in fayour of closer building, supported by glib and specious 
claims, is being circulated also in other States. Some of the arguments 
and suggestions put forth in favour of space saving include— 
(1) Any owner by adopting bungalows without bedrooms can build two 
houses where one existed before, and the rent derived from the 
one will pay interest, taxes, &c., on the other, and so he can 
live rent free. 
(2) By adopting space saving, “‘ wide-awake owners and investors” can 
put four family bungalows on an allotment at present used for 
one. Two houses (semi-detached) being built in rear of two front- 
ing the street. 
(3) Adoption of space saving enables bungalows to be built on narrower 
frontages—20 to 30 feet. - 
These arguments may ibe logical and true, but their effect in practice 
is obvious. For a time, at least, “the landlord doubles his profit,” as 
the space-saving adyocates claim. The public pay an increased cost 
for a less healthy and convenient mode of living, the effect of which 
upon public economy and hygiene, as well as upon children and 
families, is distinctly deteriorative and reactionary. Whatever savings 
may be effected in space ‘are counterbalanced many times over by the 
higher cost that inevitably accrues where closer building is resorted 
to. ~ 
TENEMENT HOUSE AN EVIL—NOT A REMEDY. 
If the argument in favour of space saving were confined to 
bungalows, the case for regulating these developments under town 
planning by-laws and schemes would be still incontrovertible. But when 
it seeks to import wholesale tenement building and apartment houses 
on American and Continental models into a country with the climatic 
conditions of Australia, and solely on the ground of commercial enter- 
prise, the need for inquiry and action by State Governments becomes 
urgent and vital in the interests of the race. Take, for instance, one 
of the plans of tenement houses or flats circulated as a study in 
“conservation of floor space,” and “ showing what is possible on a 40-ft. 
x 60-ft. area.” Obviously such plans are intended as an appeal to the 
cupidity of certain classes of investors in house building in the interests 
TOO 
