THE OLD STATION SITE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 134, 9 June 1930, Page 6

THE OLD STATION SITE.

On Saturday we submitted to our readers a sketch of one of the proposed plans for the subdivision of the site now occupied by the old Railway Station. , The plan finally accepted by the City Council; will no doubt include all possible provision for transport facilities and the convenience of the general public, and it may therefore be well to point out that the schemes so far proposed are all open to criticism on various grounds. .The suggestion of cross roads continuing Gore Street and Commerce Street right through.to Quay Street will me«t with general approval. But the Harbour Board scheme does not provide a road right through the block from east to west, but only between Breakwater Road and Gore Street. This means the loss of an opportunity to relieve the heavy traffic from Queen Street which often produces such serious congestion in Customs Street East. Further, one central road running east and west would necessitate leaving a right-of-way for light and air at the back of the buildings fronting Quay Street and Customs Street East respectively. Such narrow passages behind or between high buildings are objectionable as providing shelter for nocturnal wanderers on the waterfront, and thus rendering the area unsafe. The Harbour Board scheme provides for two parallel roads running east from the .back of the Post Office to Breakwater Road, but the objection that they would be too narrow—4oft wide at the mostwill probably be sustained. The City Council must take into consideration the convenience of the public, the interests of our business men, and the amenities of our social and civic life in reaching its decision