KARORI'S NEEDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10607, 4 June 1920, Page 5

KARORI'S NEEDS

EXPLAINED TO CITY COUNCIL COUNCILLORS MAKE A TOUR OF INSPECTION. Ait the invitation of tho special committee of tho City Council which is responsible for guarding the interests of the outlying suburbs that are now part of the metropolitan area, members of the council yesterday morning paid a visit of inspection to Wellington's new charge Karori. As a result of tho visit the councillors became acquainted with tho most'urgent needs of the district, some of which were impressed upon them by members of the executive of the Karcii Progressive Association, who met them during the visit. They found that while there is plenty of room for improvement in the matter of reading, dangerous bends, water, drainage, and other matters which tho council must very soon turn its attention to the new acquisition to the city possesses some fine assets. Some of tho councillors were particularly impressed: Wi.h the view from the "higher levels, and with the possibilities of the district as a residential suburb. In some years’ time, when Karori is brought nearer the town by tho institution of faster and quicker means of transport, the population will he doubled or trebled in that at present distant part. It is anticipated that tho Oifcy Council will provide in the laying out of those portions of Karori which must then go ahead, that town planning methods arc followed more closely than they have been hitherto. MATTERS OF URGENCY. The subjects which most vitally interest the ratepayers of the district, as well as other matters which at is also regarded the City Council might lend its assistance in, were briefly explained to tho councillors when tho party stopped for morning tea, by Mr Lon McKenzie, the chairman of the outlying districts committee. Ho declared "’that the council fully realised the value to tho city of the newly amalgamated Karori area. The council should offer inducements for tho larger population of that part of Wellington. There was no need to Impress upon the council the most urgent need of tho people—water supply and drainage services, for the members recognised that those works must be attended to. Tho necessity for better access to tho district was also realised. ‘Hie first matter the, council considered in attending to the needs of a newly acquired area was to put the roads in good condition, and provide a good surface, not only for general 'traffic, hut also tramway traffic. Tills matter, as far ns Karori was concerned, had already been gone into by tho city engineer and his staff; alternative schemes had been evolved, but these were not sufficiently advanced as yet to bo made public, although ho warmly approved of ono of them. Tho cx-Mayor of Karori, Mr Burn, also favoured it. Continuing, Mr McKenzie said ho wished to congratulate the late Borough Council on tho general excellent condition of the roads of Karori. Ho also referred with enthusiasm to tho Karori Park, and assured tho residents, on behalf of the reserve committee, that Karori would not bo overlooked when the policy tho council had laid down in regard to the establishment of small parks and rest areas came to be put into operation. He stressed the advisability of purchasing areas for this purpose, while plenty of land was available at a reasonable price. The council would always bo prepared to receive any suggestion that would make for tho general improvement of the borough. In conclusion, Mr McKenzie_ said that it was with a feeling of pride and pleasure that he visited Karori; ho felt the city had beep extremely fortunate in securing during tho eighteen months two such splendid residential areas as Onslow and Karori. Time would prove the benefit that both would derive. BIG THINGS EXPECTED. Mr B. G. H. Burn, ox-Mayor of Karori, said that the residents expected big things to result from the amalgamation of the borough with the city. Ho saw no reason for changing his original opinion that Karori would be a valuable asset to "Wellington. The city had made a good bargain, and the people of the district could look with confidence for something iff return, hut they must not he impatient, and would have to recognise the difficulties the council was faced with, and wait their turn. In regard to the principal heeds of Karon, water and drainage, both of which, _ ho admitted, were urgent necessities, at tho present time tho council was not able to grant them; loan proposals would be brought down soon, however, and if they were not agreed to, the people would have themselves to blame. OTHER MATTERS. Mr J. Oaughley, chairman pf the Karori Progressive Association, said that water and drainage improvements could not ho effected too quickly. He urged upon tho councillors the possibility of converting the old council chambers into a public hall, the need for which was much felt. The district also needed one or two small parks or recreation grounds in tho centre of the more thickly populated parts. He was pleased to know thd matter of_ better access had already been considered by the council. He assured tho council of any assistance tho Progressive Association could offer.