THE FUTURE OF THE VALLEY

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 8, 12 July 1928, Page 8

THE FUTURE OF THE VALLEY

(By Frank Maitland)

In this week 's issue of '' The Hutt News" I am most gently and courteously taken to task by ''The Critic" for the opinions set out by rue in your columns on the 21st ultimo. To be called '' an apostle and an '' author surely is flattering beyond my humble deserts^ and in any case the two terms are not usually synonomous. And lam gently rebuked for unnecessarily trans- i lating a classic phrase into plain (and uncjassical) English. Alas, my brother "Critic," we have not all had equal educational advantages, and what is plain and clear to a section of the Hutt public might be. '' caviare to the multitude. ;' And what is wrong with good old Anglo-Saxon, anyhow? My kindly friend appears to think that I take exception to information being sought, and statistical reports furnished as to population; resourses, and "a careful analysis of the results that are likely to follow from amalgamation (whatever the last phrase may mean). I have no such objection; by all means i let us have as much information as may be obtainable, and reports too,lots of 'em. There are few of us who have not at one time or another been comforted by the assurance that "a report is being obtained '' and probably in the Government archives are to be found such reports on every subject on earth and the waters beneath, from bi-metall-ism to the correct method of affixing the hair on a wax doll. Enquiries, analysis and problematical subjects, yes, by all means let's have them in quantity—the more the merrier; they don't do any harm; akin to the proverbial "blister on a wooden leg." Let 'em all come, say I. But when it comes to allowing that our borough would be just as well off as at present if industries of a sort allowed in the neighbouring borough whose atmosphere simply shrieks aloud to Heaven in protest.were introduced into our midst, then surely if" is time to join issue. The great majority of our residents have bought or built their homes in this beautiful suburb to be free of the cares and Strife of industrial life. Our Borough Council has wisely set aside an indus- ■ trial area, and anyone desirous of such realistic effects as may be found at Peptone may build or buy to suit themselves. With all deference I venture to assert that the very great majority of our residents will prefer to leave matters as they are, and continue to reside in a beautiful garden suburb, carefully and efficiently managed by local residents with a full knowledge of the requirements of the district. Opinions will surely differ on the matter of amalgamation, centralisation, and the wisdom of industrialism in such a district as that in which we are fortunate enough to live, but any participate action is strongly to be deprecated; therefore I still maintain the wisdom of the old saying "Hasten Slowly."