Show building laws of vital interest to Com community discussing the question whether good housing Is possible bos sible to families of small means dr james ford ph D executive director better iiames in america says if the average life of a house Is from one third to one half of a century roost most persons cannot live to in new dwellings so our first question Is to ask how old houses can be made bettor better tire the first obvious answer Is that there should be good building laws health laws lairs and housing laws wisely by ciLl citizens zens who have practical knowledge of the subject of housing I 1 and who though cognizant of practical difficulties have standards that are high and sound such laws must be enforced by wise and practical citizens whose standards are also high As no law is self enforcing it Is necessary to have in each city a body of citizens to make it a continuous survey of housing needs and standards and to lend public officials their I 1 r moral support and assistance assIst arice because there Is no such medium of community in most cities standards standard of licousi housing ng legislation and enforcement are relatively low |