CANBERRA’S FUTURE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1933, Page 7

CANBERRA’S FUTURE

PLANS FOR CITY BEAUTIFUL WORKS LOAN OF £200,000 i SYDNEY October 25. There are still many Australians on'y 1 too willing to scoff at their capital c'ty, Canberra, but it is evident that they know nothing of its charm and its beauty and care less for the ideals that were behind the designers. Successive Governments have developed Canberra along the idealistic lines which must bring joy to the heart of every town-planner the world over. It has been described, aptly perhaps, as a city of wide, open spaces, but many ask is it any worse because of that: Jt spreads in a. magnificent panorama around the stately Parliament Buildings and is indeed a thing apart as far as Australian cities and towns are concerned. Those who have any fear for the future of Canberra will be gladdened by the announcement that the Federal Government will resume an active development programme for the capital. Practically all building activities in Canberra have been held up since the depression, but with the improvements in finances the Government has determined to make the city the Federal capital in fact as well as in name. Last week a Loan Bill authorising the expenditure of £200,000 on Canberra works and services was passed by both Houses of Parliament. In addition there will he further expenditure from revenue. More than 100 new houses will be built during the current financial y ar.' Already there is a housing shortage in Canberra, and in view of the decision to transfer more departments from Melbourne the position has become urgent, and an immediate start will be made on as many bouses as possible. Tt will be some Fine before the building programme can overtake the present shortage. Under loan funds for works the total expenditure of £151,C01 on cottage construction will extend over two years. The Government contemplates a definite renewal of a steady and continuous building : programme until the original design of Canberra 'is fully': achieved One of the most important works for which preparations are actively in hand is the building of the National Library, ultimately; designed to cost nearly £IOO,OOO. The first unit will be constructed at the cost, of £7000.. Although the present temporary library in Parliament House ,is splendidly equipped, there are thousands of volumes for which room cannot be found on the shelves. Many of tlmse books 'are stored in crates in various parts of Canberra, never having been unpacked since they were taken to the Federal capital five years ago. The first section of the Australian War Museum, comprising the exhibition galleries will also be erected. The amount set aside for this project, £25.000 under loan works and £19,800 under trust fund, is toward a total cost cost of £85.000. It is expected that tenders will be invited next month. Nurses’ quarters are to be erected at the Canberra Hospital at a cost of £23,000. More than £72,000 will be spent during the next two years on engineering works within the territorv, including the construction of new roads and the completion of the water storage scheme.