Mr Allen Asks Some Questions

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 8

Mr Allen Asks Some Questions

“What will a city such as Wellington eventually become?” asked the Minister of Works (Mr Allen) of architects, engineers and surveyors at the town planning symposium.

“Certainly, huge . buildings will appear in greater numbers, but what for? Are they just for purposes of commerce and administration? For individuals in individual cars to visit for eight hours, five days a week? “What has happened to the happy, carefree throngs of shoppers, and the family groups. This used to be a happy picture, a feature of city life in Wellington, as in other cities,” said Mr Allen. “These happy, relaxed throngs have disappeared. Where are they? Is this the way a city should grow, by the disappearance of its people? “Don’t mistake me,” said Mr Allen. “I’m not talking about city population between, say, 7 a.m. and. 7 p.m. with its frantic hustle and bustle and its do-or-die shopping done by day-time commuters.

Family Going

“No, the family is disappearing from the city. Father, too often, is now the only visitor to the city . . . father and his car. “Is city land at so many thousands of pounds a foot too costly for sunlight, for grass, for trees, for people? “If we argue it is not, who is going to take over the responsibility? Who is going to

ensure that the people of a city can enjoy some space and relaxed freedom in the heart of their city? “Is the aggregation of land titles the answer to what has to be done?” asked Mr Allen. Before asking the questions Mr Allan said he might be taking an unfair advantage of his audience because some of the questions might never be answered. “If you prove me wrong—if you can find reasonable and operable answers—then I and many thousands of New Zealanders will bless you,” he said.