New Homes Lottery. In Erith, Kent, families on the council's housing list are allotted homes by public lottery. Illustrated pictures the scene at the eighth lottery at which 1,300 hopefuls drew for the 120 houses available. Five year old George sleeps - his head pillowed on Granny's knee. His mother, Mrs Connor, leans forward anxiously. Behind Mrs O'Brien clutches her one year old baby Jimmy. She and her husband have been waiting five years for a home of their own. Little Christine Brown gazes open mouthed at the bevy of important people on the platform.