STATE SUBDIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 July 1938, Page 5

STATE SUBDIVISION

AMENDMENTS TO PLAN EXTRA AREA FOR RESERVE An indication that the Government would amend the plan of the subdivision of an area on the west’ side of Masterton adjoining the railway line, on which State houses were being • erected, was given by the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, at last night’s meeting of the Masterton Borough Council. Mr Jordan said he had discussed the plan with Mr R. B. Hammond, town planning adviser to the Housing Department, who had agreed to certain alterations being made. Mr Jordan went on to state that at his instance, Mr Hammond had agreed that an area of about an acre should be set aside as a reserve in the central portion of the subdivision, while the area already set aside as an open space adjoining the railway line would also be retained. He had also asked for a definite undertaking that the Government would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the three communal garages included in the subdivision. Mr Jordan also

suggested that a 12 foot right-of-way leading from a new street into College should be widened to a 50 foot street, as it would provide the main means of access to the settlement from portion of Renall Street. He considered the council should meet the Government to some extent in the formation of this road, and the Borough Engineer had written to Mr Hammond offering assistance to the extent of about £67. Mr Hammond, however, was rather disappointed with that offer, and thought the council should do more. The actual cost of the whole of the reading would be about £354. Mr Jordan suggested that the council should contribute £lOO towards the cost in money or material. Councillor W. Kemp: “Meet the Government fifty-fifty.” Councillor Kemp moved accordingly. Although he seconded the motion pro forma, Councillor H. E. Gardner said his idea was to offer £lOO. Councillor R. Russell moved an amendment that the council’s contribution be £lOO. Councillor A. T- Jackson seconded the amendment. “If this were done by anyone else except the Government, they would have to do the whole of the roading, kerbing and channelling,” said Councillor Trevor Beetham, “before we would take it over. I think the Government should do this, the same as a private individual.” Mr Jordon said he would point out to Councillor Beetham that the Government had given not only what it was bound to give as a reserve, but an extra acre as well. Such being the case, he was prepared to meet them to a certain extent.” Councillor G. D. Wilson' pointed out that the proposed assistance of £lOO was about equivalent to the concession given by the Government. The amendment was carried.