PRAISE FOR THE CITY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21377, 21 January 1935, Page 12

PRAISE FOR THE CITY

"GREAT PEACEFUL CHARM" IMPRESSIONS OF NEW SOUTH WALES JUDGE Tributes to the lay-out of the city of Christchurch and its solution of civic problems which confront Sydney were paid by Mr Justice Milner Stephen, a judge of the supreme court of New South Wales, in an interview yesterday. Mr Stephen, who with Mrs Stephen has spent some time touring in the North Island, remarked particularly on the trees of the city and its "great peaceful charm." Mr Stephen, who was called to the Bar in 1896, is the fourth generation of his family to hold the office of supreme court judge in New South Wales since 1825. He has occupied this position since and for 27 years, from 1900, was an alderman of the city of Sydney. A visitor to Christchurch, 25 years ago, Mr Stephen commented on the increased beauty of the city, which he attributed to the growth of the many fine trees planted and growing in the time which had elapsed since his first visit. He referred particularly to the birches, the line of poplars by the Edmonds band rotunda, and the other trees along the banks of the Avon. The Parks and Playgrounds Association in Sydney, said jMr Stephen, were experiencing | difficulty in providing these necessary amenities, and would probably solve the problem by reclaiming land in many places round the harbour. In Christchurch on the other hand each suburb seemed to have its park, and the lay-out of the city was in this respect in accordance with the best principles of townplanning. It had of course the advantage of an abundance of flat land. Mr Stephen was envious also of the excellent facilities for aquatic sports. The tour of New Zealand upon which Mr Stephen is engaged was arranged by the Tourist Department, and for those arrangements he has nothing but the highest praise. Economic Situation Discussing the economic situation of New South Wales Mr Stephen said that it had improved very definitely, a contention which, he argued, was proved by the record Christmas trade of December last. "The conversion of the Commonwealth loans," he added, "shows outside recognition of this fact, too. We have been successful in combating the depression, although we are not yet out of it. The increase in the price of wool has helped very greatly, for it has meant in the last two years an increase of approximately £20,000,000 in the value of the country's exports. It is not. however, c--p--ted that prices for wool will remain so high, but rather that there will be a decrease of approximately 25 per cent." Mr Stephen had a few comments to make on the Sydney harbour bridge. It was contended, he said, that its erection was justifiable, and it was true that indirectly it was productive of -enormous benefits. Contributions to its cost came from tolls and from bridge taxes imposed by local government bodies in certain areas on both sides.