“WENT TOO FAST”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12613, 25 November 1926, Page 6

“WENT TOO FAST”

COUNCILLOR ON KENT TERRACE “A HOBBY OF THE MAYOR.” “I can see as a councillor that between us we rushed this job too fast,” said Councillor H. D. Bennett, chairman of the Works Committee of the City Council, speaking of the Kent terrace question at Wadestowu. “We should have considered our position a little more . . . but the circumstances were such that we did not realise that we needed a proclamation, for we had just completed the stretch tower down without a proclamation. “This work was a hobby of the Mayor. We wished to let him have a little rein, and he broke loose. But we have learned a rather severe lesson, and before taking such steps again the council will make very sure of tho formalities.” So keen was the feeling engendered at the present time, continued Councillor Bennett, that the council would be charv about altering reserves even though its members were fully convinced that alterations were in the best interests of the city. If it was really necessary that a road or roads should be driven across the town belt, then they should be so driven. It was very doubtful to-day whether there was any call for a second tunnel through Alount Victoria, for instance, for surveys had shown that a road of very fair grade, certainly not at all severe for motor traffic. could be constructed to give access to the east at very much less cost than a £250.000 tunnel. If that was so. was it right that the progress of the "tv as a whole should be held m> lathis cry of “Hands off the town belt’’? “But before we start on a work like that again.” ronrbuled Count illor Bennett, “you will find that tho proclamation or Orrfcr-in-Council is thoroughly in order.”