As a regular reader and enjoyer of Roger Rabbits, knowing your wide readership, I thought I'd put some more attention on a continuing ‘problem'. As more evidence comes to light on the homeless, the increasing numbers of people - often families - sleeping rough, plus, rents and house prices steadily, almost relentlessly, increase.

As virtually nothing has been done to counteract this price escalation, I suddenly thought why don't all of us living in New Zealand make ourselves a promise - and indeed make this ‘threat' known to the Government and Political Parties - that we will not vote for any party which allows house prices to escalate.

I agree no one seems to know what to do! But we do need leadership here. It may already be too late to stop the complete breakdown in our financial system. But we have to act now. And we are doing nothing about building, skilled labour shortages, etc.

The cause of this inflation has to be addressed, now. The cause is ‘greed'. Many people -especially from overseas - are using the housing market to make huge profits and investments.

I feel in my simple understanding- and in simple terms - the increases or profits gained by buying houses and then selling them on should be heavily taxed - and taxed immediately. At this juncture, those investors or buyers do not have to wait very long to make a profit. The escalation is happening so quickly!

I strongly feel houses are for living in, they should not be for trading to make big profits.

For most ordinary New Zealanders and for people living here, their house is the major goal in life! Our major asset.

It was - as this has now become virtually impossible. Plus as this goal has receded, rental accommodation costs have also risen, probably at a greater rate than house prices themselves. A number of other prices have escalated too: some ‘entrepreneurs' are welcoming these increases. But, this is all wrong, as we need balance, good sense, fairness. When is someone going to recognise this? Many people are arguing over the outer results of this greed - and perhaps - how to get in on the profits!

My own conjecture is that it is already too late - I saw a few days ago how even the greedy buyers are holding back. There is the expected, even sudden, slowing down that will have to take place... The other remedy/cure is direct government action. For example, stop or prohibit sales of houses that are causing inflation and denying families the right and means to buy their homes. It seems to me we are very naive as New Zealanders. We should have seen this coming, we should have been aware of the risks of this open market attitude. It will affect our complete way of life, including wages and the cost of living.

We therefore do not have enough control over property and goods produced. Again, we need to exert more control - to take charge of our assets, our homes, our property. These are sacred.

D Sharp, Bellevue.