GREATER NORTH SHORE.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 224, 20 September 1924, Page 12

GREATER NORTH SHORE.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE. CIVICS FOR NOrTHERH BOROUGHS. Possibilities in the future development of Auckland's northern boroughs were interestingly, discussed by Mr. F. E. Powell, C.E., at a meeting of the Marine Boroughs' Association last evening. With the aid of maps and diagrams Mr. Powell explained in detail the possibility of a large civic centre on the northern shore of the harbour, from which should radiate all ttie services of a large residential and indue-' trial community. Speaking as a Xorth Shore resident of 22 years' standing, Mr. Powell declared his continued interest in the undoubtedly great future of that side of the harbour. Contingent perhaps on Auckland City's natural expansion, it would yet become an independent entity of progress like Brooklyn to New York, or Birkenhoad to Chelsea. Auckland's northern boroughs contained all the requisite factors for development and future greatness. In support ol his declaration, Mr. Powell reviewed, from the engineering point of view, salient physical features of the boroughs. From Dβ vonport, which he declared was approaching a stage of development equivalent to many English watering places, he. conducted his hearers on a circular tour through Takapuna and Albany to Birkenhead. Be eulogised the picturesque Wairau Valley and the views from Highbury, taken into conjunction with beautiful lake and seaside scenery, as being external settings of . which northern shore, residents might well be proud. Mr. Powell also explained a causeway scheme, which running from Stanley Point to JCorthcote an a straight line across Bayewster, would overcome the present geographical isolation of the four northern boroughs and render amalgamation possible from transit and administration points of view. This causeway could also be utilised for production of electrical energy through the ebb and flow of the tides on the same principle as the great English scheme on the Severn. As safe and desirable boat, harbours the two great lakes thus formed in Shoal Bay and Ngataringa would be assets of great value to Auckland yachtsmen. The future northern railway would run to a terminus'at the head of Shoal Bay, whence train ferries would convey the cars, to the Harbour Board lines on the Freeman's Bay reclamation. Industrial facilities thus provided, together with berthage for snipe, would make the progress of the North Shore .■ not altogether dependent upon its outstanding residential claims. ... The,future.civic centre as viewed by* Mr. Powell would be in Northcote; where the natural configuration aided the town planner. The lecturer reminded his Hearers that Borne was not built in a day, but was most obviously planned well ahead.' The same principle should apply now, and the administrative authorities of the north shore should keep steadily in view in all their plans the great future of their district. A,hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Powell, at. the, conclusion of the lecture. . .