Misreporting Complaint By Mayor Of Kaiapoi

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30976, 4 February 1966, Page 17

Misreporting Complaint By Mayor Of Kaiapoi

He wished to clear up mis-1 understandings that the Eyre County Council had apparently got from the incomplete and misleading report of statements he had made to “The Press" when a reporter sought information about the Kaiapoi town plan, said the Mayor of Kaiapoi (Mr H. O. Hills). “Both the borough and the! counties are required by law to produce a district scheme (town plan) by 1968. This plan, although subject to adjustment periodically, will be! of great value in the correct planning of all areas for the future. This plan will define general town planning principles for a period of 20 to 40 years and aim at the orderly expansion of the borough using its resources to the best advantage,” said Mr Hills. “I was misreported on several matters. I did not state that the borough had ‘pressing needs’ for the Riseley area and I did not state that there was poor land in this area. 1 said that poorer land near the railway- could be developed eventually for industry.

“When I asked about the present building areas in the borough and if the borough boundaries would be extended in the future I said that over 20 to 40 years Kaiapoi would probably expand within the motorway boundaries, including the area known as the Riseley settlement. “I also stated that any plans for future expansion of the Kaiapoi borough would be the

subject of further discussions with the surrounding counties with which the council had always enjoyed good public relations.

“The word ‘amalgamation’ as reported was never mentioned, nor did I state that Eyre county had agreed to hand over the Riseley settlement when it was completed. “However, the matter of the desirability of the Riseley settlement eventually coming into the borough has been discussed by representatives of Eyre and Kaiapoi counties, although there has never been any mention of urgency. “There is no difference of opinion between the Kaiapoi borough councillors, some of whom were only concerned at the reported statement being taken out of its true perspective, which was all based on a 20-year plan. I am always prepared to discuss matters of mutual interest with the Eyre county,” concluded Mr Hills. The reporter concerned states: “Mr Hills made no ; complaint of misreporting !when he was asked about the ; report by Cr. C. Thompson at the meeting of the Kaiapoi Borough Council on January--24. In discussion with the reporter after the meeting, Mr Hills made no complaint of > misreporting. Information i given by Mr Hills when the reporter drove him round the area involved was recapitulated to him at a subsequent discussion in the council chambers.”—Editor, “The Press.”