Wellington’s Needs

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 86, 5 January 1935, Page 13

Wellington’s Needs

Sir, —It is most encouraging to notice that “Currente Calamo” with his impressive letters has awakened some Wellingtonians to a sense of civic pride, for one could hardly imagine a city in which its citizens show such a deplorable lack of it.

As a comparative stranger to Wellington and yet as one who intends making the Capital City a future home, may I be permitted to make a few observations? They are made not so much in a spirit of criticism,, but rather in a friendly manner to keep burning that flame of dissatisfaction so ably lit by “Currente Calamo. Sooner or later some responsive citizens will rise from that depressing lethargy into which ipost of them have obviously drifted and they will wonder why they have for so long tolerated conditions discreditable to themselves and disgraceful to the city. , In the first place, I seriously suggest that it would be nothing short of a confidence trick to embark on a policy to increase tourist traffic when so many matters require urgent attention. If the city were made attractive tourists could then be welcomed with confidence instead of apologies. “Currente Calamo” and others so ably present a case for the elimination of the present slums (yes! Mr. Tourist, there are old-world conditions in this new country) that one need hardly comment on this problem. I would, however, suggest that as a preliminary move the council acquire immediately an acre, here and there in the heart of these slums. Let these “God’s acres,” as they might bo termed, be converted into beauty spots. Wellington is lamentably lacking in lungs, so why not put a few here and there where their value will be beyond measure? Let no one dare raise the question of cost when such a vital matter is at stake. Slums are enemies which must be extirpated regardless of cost. From now on there should be no quarter. That Wellington has been lavishly treated by nature is beyond doubt. The view from that priceless gem, Mount Victoria, is well-nigh incomparable. And yet what should be an inspiring possession is. nothing but disorderly contusion. Even in New Zealand—Auckland for instance—the civic* administrators and citizens ■ generally would blush with shatoe to have such a noble asset so neglected. Where are the well-formed paths and trees and gardens which the tourist “ may see and admire? I understand there are some, difficulties, but they are not insuperable and expert advice will show how the problem can be solved. There are other weaknesses of a minor nature which are so obvious to visitors and which should, not be tolerated. Take the trams. Here is more disorderly confusion, and numbering should be done away with as soon as possible. There is simply no necessity for it in a city the size of Wellington. What visitor is not exasperated after taking a ctor to Courtenay Place to find himself travelling up Cuba Street? Why not have the destination signs reading “Newtown” with small lettering underneath “Via Cuba Street”? The' present system is obsolete because it is confusing. Surely one need not mention the designs of the trams, which are as obsolete as the system of naming destinations. However, if the corporation intends replacing the present cars with the style' one sees running to Oriental Bay, congratulations can be extended.

I would also urge the traffic department to concentrate more on some things that matter. Walk down any of the narrow main streels and if one is in a hurry there is trouble brewing. Disorderly confusion again confronts one. Jostling jaywalkers are here, there and everywhere; Pedestrians should keep to the. left, and polite but firm insistence on this rule for a short time would result in a marked improvement. Motor traffic, too, is allowed far too much license. Wellington streets are too narrow and congested for motorists to speed and cut corners as they do. I have seen in a short time more narrow escapes than ever before, and it is high time the position were dealt with. There are further important matters one could enumerate, but in the meantime these will do to go on with. We can then tackle other grave weaknesses which are w obvious to the visitor and which should not be tolerated in a city so richly endowed by Nature. —I am, etd.. VICTOR M. SIMPSON. Wellington, January 4.