'Town Planning Needed’ In Malvern County

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31211, 8 November 1966, Page 11

'Town Planning Needed’ In Malvern County

There was an urgent need for proper town planning, particularly in Darfield, the chairman of the Malvern County Council (Mr C. O. Redfern) said at its annual meeting. The council’s decision to engage a consultant for this work was a proper one, although the estimated costs were high. He had been satisfied at the decision to delegate as much work as possible to committees. Although this system had not reduced the time taken for ordinary meetings, he hesitated to think how long these would have lasted had it not been for the work of the committees. The final scheme for the Malvern-Tarawera amalgamation had been issued and awaited official sanction. It must surely be one of the most simple and straight-for-ward complete county amalgamations that the Local Government Commission had had to deal with. There had been no objections. One of the most satisfying aspects of the year’s work had been the successful negotiation of a four-year special assistance programme with the National Roads Board. It was unfortunate that an increase in general rates had to be made this year but this had been necessary to enable the extra National Roads Board subsidies to be uplifted. Good weather had allowed rapid progress on the w’orks programme, but 27 miles of seal had to be completed in the county and two miles in Tawera. He was disappointed that no great improvement was

shown in the water-face accounts for Malvern and Horo-rata-Snowdon. Rising costs seemed the main problem and unless more efficient means of cleaning races were found the council would be faced either with a further review of charges or further consideration of its policy on cleaning, Mr Redfern reported. Progress on planning the new council offices had been slow, but it was hoped plans would be completed soon. If the loan was approved work should start early next year.