PLANNING BRANCH

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29748, 15 February 1962, Page 14

PLANNING BRANCH

“Usefulness Impaired”

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Feb. 14.

The Ministry of Works was treating town and country planning with contempt, the president of the Town Planning Institute (Mr D. G. Porter) told the Royal Commission on State Services today. The Ministry’s administrative policy had impaired its usefulness as an instrument of Government, he said

In the design and location of Government projects it appeared that the advice of those engaged in town and country planning was neither desired nor sought. Only the determination and sense of vocation of two or three senior staff members had maintained the viability of the town and country planning branch over the last 10 years. This had been done m the face of high staff losses and the lowered morale because of the Ministry’s attitude. “Town and country planning services are essentia] to our development if we are to avoid the squandering of our national resources.” said Mr Porter Mr Porter recommended an inquiry to find the best way to integrate town and country planning within the Ministry, that the status of the profession be raised to afford better career opportunities, that adequate staff be recruited and that students in the profession should be financially assisted.