TOWN PLANNING BILL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5014, 16 August 1926, Page 2

TOWN PLANNING BILL.

DISCUSSED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES APPROVED.

Discussion on the Town Planning Bill was. introduced at Thursday night’s, meeting of the Paeroa Borough Council by a. circular from the Hawera Beirough Council asking foi support of the following resolutions : “That this council emphatically protests, against the proposed Tou n Planning Bill ni its present form, on the grounds that (a.) no option is given to local bodies in adopting a scheme, they being, in terms, of the Bill, forced to submit a scheme within three years, whether they want it o>r not; (b) that undue and unnecessary expense will be imposed on pro-perty-owners. at a time when strict economy is, absolutely necessaiy, (c) that undue and unnecessary expense .will be cast upon all local bodies without discrimination at a, time when strict economy is essential, and that this council requests the. Government to refer the Bill to the Municipal and Counties' Associations. ■ “That this council respectfully urges that copies of all Bills touching the affairs of local bodies be circulated to. all sjuch bodies in time to admit of the local bodies considering same and expressing their opinions thereon.”

Cr. G. P. de Castro thought it would be sufficient if the 'council, Hecejved the letter and waited to see what action was taken in the. larger towns.

The Mayor (Mr W- Marshall) did nUt agree with the suggestion. He said that Paeroa might be a small boUough, but it could a/t least express an opinion, and ,it was desirable that it should do so. In his opinion the council might approve of the general principles underlying the Bill, but postpone discussion until an opportunity arrived for each councillor to go thoroughly into the matter.

MANY ADMIRABLE PROVISIONS.

Continuing, the Mayor said that the measure contained many admirable provisions. If it became law the hands of local bodies would have; the power to deal with unsuitable buildings and undesirable businesses. There, was also a provision giving local bodies power to control retail businesses. Such measures would be applicable to Paeroa, and doubtlessly a benefit to the town.

The Mayor then moved : “That this council approves of the principles, underlying the proposed Bill, but respectfully requests the Government, through the member for the district, to postpone the passing pif the measure until local bodies can look into the matter and offer suggestions?’ In seconding, Cr. E, A. Porritt said that it was. desirable to give, the measure (full consideration? He had perused the proposed Bill and thoroughly agreed with the main features A COUNCILLOR’S OPPOSITION. . Cr. F. E. Flatt said that he was, opposed to the Bifl, although he confessed he had not had an opportunity of reading it through. " In hisi opinion there were too many Acts, boards-, and high-salaried officials trying to run the country at present. It appeared e.s if it was only an attempt to tie the hands of local bodies. The Mayor reminded Cr. Flatt that he could not deny that -spme system ■of town-planning was very desirable in Paeroa..

Cr. Flatt admitted that it might! be so, but he did noit like- the; idea handing the future of the borough over to Government’officials.

'CR H. J. Hare said that he would welcome the appointment by the Government of an. expert. At the present time local bodies had little bjr no control ovei - the planning o?l a. town. It was, a shame in a young country like New Zealand to see towns grow and straggle out untidily.

Cr. Fla,tt said that the appointment of an expert might be. all right, but in his. opinion there were just as good men on local as any that would receive appointments on a Government town-planning board. The resolution ■ was carried.