THE CIVIC CENTRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 41, 18 February 1927, Page 6

THE CIVIC CENTRE.

When the Mayor said last night that the Council "must reach a decision" about the Civic Centre then and there, or look ridiculous, he gave the Council a wise lead, but it ■was not taken. Disposition of an area like the old market site is not to be made lightly, but it is a long time since the buildings were cleared away, and it is months since the Council received the report of the Commission specially set •up to consider the question of a civic centre. Yet last evening's meeting found the Council so divided that nothing was done. A bewildering number of motions and amendments was rejected. It still seems to us to be the wisest course to put the Commission's report, or a modification or section of it, before the ratepayers, and for that reason we think there is much to be said for Mr. Thompson's proposal to combine erection of a portion of the Art Gallery on the site, with utilisation for commercial purposes of that part recommended for such use by the Commission. We are bound to say, however, that the divisions in the Council seriously imperil the success of any such appeal to ratepayers. The Council .must-really >make up its mind soon what it means to do. It is its business to lead, not to wobble. - This valuable-site is lying idle, and the city needs a new art gallery and new municipal offices. Above all it needs vision in town-planning.