TOWN PLANNING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 103, 3 May 1930, Page 12

TOWN PLANNING.

BETTERMENT VALUATIONS. NO PROVISION IN ACT. AMENDING BILL PROPOSED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Strong v representations to have compensation and betterment provisions included in an amendment to the Town Planning Act during the approaching session of Parliament were made to the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, to-day, by the executive of the Municipal Association. Particular reference was made to the position of Wellington, the statement being made by the Mayor, Mr. G. A, Troup, that the absence of the betterment provision would cost the city hundreds of thousands of pounds. Mr. Troup, who was the principal' speaker for the deputation, said the executive of the association was very disappointed when it was found thai last year's Town Planning Amendment Bill did not contain providing for betterment and compensation. "In Wellington," said Mr. Troup, "we were grievously concerned because Ave knew, in shillings and pence, what it would mean to us, with regard particularly to the town planning of Te Aro Flat. It cost the City Council a very large sum of money through the provision now sought not having been made last session." Mr. Troup said they felt at present that the whole position of town planning was hopeless without betterment. In reply to a question if he anticipated that the bill would go through the House this session, the Minister said that depended upon the temper of the House. Mr. Troup said the conference was unanimous that the compensation and betterment clauses should be placed before Parliament to give members the opportunity of voting for or against them. The bill should, not be a party measure. Wellington had a bill of about £400,000 for street improvement and widening, and from it not a penny had been received by way of betterment. "I will bring the matter before Cabi- ! net," said the Minister. "I am in favour lof giving it a trial if Cabinet is in L favour of -it."