TOWN PLANNING

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 44, 16 November 1926, Page 7

TOWN PLANNING

“WHAT IS TO HAPPEN now;/ HOW SURVEYORS REGARD NEW ACT “The. Bill has become an Act, and a town planner, Mr. R. B Hammond, has been appointed under it, and is at work,” states the “New Zealand Surveyor.” “New Zealand has put a foot forward with a good deal vf splash I “Personally we are glad that it was passed, and not delaved or postponed. This is not to say that it is a perfect Act, o: without defects which seem to us serious, but probably our members generally do not realise the difficulties and dangers to be overcome in getting a new class of legislation on the Statute Book. . . . "What is to happen now is on the lap of the gods. All is new; there is no machinery existing, no previous practice or experience which will amount to very much in the new relations set up between board and local bodies. “For the administration of any Act a machinery of officials must be set up, and no doubt, as far as possible, existing officials will be used, but we ourselves, with a long official training and with considerable experience in the official side of town planning as it has hitherto been conducted, do look forward with great interest to the outcome of the new work now before the board and the town planner. Quite a minority of the board will have had training in the rigorous svstemisation of work, which alone enables safe and impartial administration, and avoids •die pitfalls and ‘favouritism’ of irregular and differential treatment, much wisdom, patience, and serenity of judgment is required to balance the conflicting claims of the community and or owners. Long training in public administration goes far to educate in a selfless consideration of problems, but in the new board these qualities seem likely to be only in a raw and untrained state for some time to come, and we must look forward to a period of conflict before working arrangements are perfected. Let us, as an institute, however, remember that it will be constructive and courteous criticism that is required; that the board and officials are not ipso facto fools, but are as interested and enthusiastic in making a success _of the new advance in social legislation as we are; and that, being but human, merely destructive criticism and denunciation simply antagonises them and destroys the weight of what may really be valuable suggestions from the same source. We have already seen the note of this feeling in the . Prime Minister’s reply to published comments on the Bill.

“Our institute has to appoint a member of the board. It is one of the most important, and most difficult, selections we have to make; for, irrespective of the personal qualifications necessary, q great difficulty will consist in the ability of the nominee to devote the necessary time, which in the beginning of things, if not all through, is likely to be considerable.” MARANUI SURF CLUB —e THE SEASON OPENED. There was a large crowd present at the clubhouse of the Maranui Buri' and Life-saving Club ou Saturday, on the occasion of the epeuing of the season at Lyall Bay. Amongst those present were the Hon. H. A. Wright, Messrs. P. M. Rundle, chairman of the Wellington Swimming Centre, aud T. Queree, president. The members paraded on the beach and were addressed by the president, who congratulated the club on its splendid successes during the past sea son, including the New Zealand Lifesaving championship. The teams had also been instrumental during the Christmas holiday in conjunction with tho Lyall Bay Club of rescuing sorao twelve people from drowning. It was vitally necessary that all the club members work hard to keep up these find performances. Great preparations were being made for the increased efficiency of the club during the coming season. Mr. R. Smith had been elected swimming coach, and was conducting regular classes at the baths, and the secretary, Mr. F. Chapman, was endeavouring to arrange a tour of the club team after the life-saving championships at New Plymouth. All this showed great enterprise on behalf of the club, and it gave him great pleasure to wish the season open. The Hon. R. A. Wright then spoke endorsing the president’s remarks, and stating that the valuable work done by the life-savers was very much appreciated by the public and by the Government Ho wished the club every success during the coming season. Competitions for the Queree and Stellin Cups (senior and junior four-men reel alarm rescues) were then held, and resulted in a win for J. Sloeman s senior team, nnd E. Hughes's junior team. Afternoon tea was served in the clubhouse by the ladies’ committee. A social was held at night.