TOWN-PLANNING IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25738, 25 February 1949, Page 9

TOWN-PLANNING IN N.Z.

MEASURES CRITICISED AS HAPHAZARD

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, February 24. The “haphazard measures” being taken in New Zealand town-planning were ‘criticised by Mr A. J. Dickson, Aucklsnd City Engineer, in his presidential address to the New Zealand Institution of Engineers to-night. Mr Dickson urged the establishment of an overall planning organisation in the municipal field to integrate the activities of cities in New Zealand. The planning of the main metropolitan areas was largely uncorrelated and haphazard, said Mr Dickson. There was a jumbled picture of planning by the Government and local authorities. “The topographical mapping of New Zealand is a disgrace to the Dominion and the worst of any civilised country,” said Mr A. D. Mead, Auckland City Waterworks Engineer. “It is only in the last few years that we have had any topographical maps worthy of the name. “Most of these are military maps, covering about half the country. They show hurried work and mediocre draughtsmanship, and have local errors. No contours are given in mountainous areas and high bush country. I should like to refer members to Swiss maps of similar areas.”