CIVIC AREA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 July 1943, Page 2

CIVIC AREA

MASTERTON PROPOSAL FULL DISCUSSION SOUGHT. PUBLIC MEETING TO BE CALLED. An opportunity for a public expression of views as to the most suitable site for a proposed civic space in Masterton is to be given at a public meeting to be called by the Masterton Beautifying Society. This matter and others were discussed by the committee of the society. There were present: Messrs L. Robinson (presiding), F. C. Daniell, H. E. Gardner, V. Joseph, A. Keith, J. M. Lawson, H. W. Lindsey, J. G. McFarlane, C. L. Needham, E. W. Payton and S. V. Playsted. . It was decided to make a gift of fifty native trees, including kowhais, to the Returned Services’ Association for planting in the soldiers’ area in the cemetery, and also to plant an avenue of trees in the Park, between the swing bridge and the Public Hospital. Through the Borough Council, a request was received from residents to have Herbert Street planted with trees. As the levels of this street were not yet completed, it was proposed to delay planting till the beginning of next season. A generous offer was received from Mr A. H. Daniell to provide the funds to purchase trees to replace those that had died from fire blight and other causes in Albert Street. The society thanked Mr Daniell, and, after consultation with the Borough Council, the matter would receive attention. There was a lengthy discusion on the merits and demerits of various schemes for a civic space in the centre of the town; a car parking area, with other conveniences, at the northern approach to the town; a similar, but more centralised area; street widening and other relative subjects, such as the position of the Government buildings, including the Post Office and other public and private buildings involved in the general scheme. Each member earnestly hoped that some comprehensive scheme would be adopted which would be a credit to the town and district, and declared that the time was opportune to make such a decision. They had to look to future requirements. Large areas had been damaged by the earthquake and needed extensive repairs in any case, and there could be no more fitting and useful memorial to those who had sacrificed their lives in this war. In order to make a decision that would be both practical and artistic, it was decided to call a public meeting shortly of members and invite delegates from various public bodies, societies, etc., so as to hear all shades of opinion on the subject. Mr Mawson, Town Planning Adviser to the Government, would be invited to give an address.