The Dominion MONDAY, MAY 14, 1928. THE CITY BEAUTIFUL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 190, 14 May 1928, Page 8

The Dominion MONDAY, MAY 14, 1928. THE CITY BEAUTIFUL

In his notes, “Without Prejudice,” on Saturday our contributor, “T.D.H.,” made the whimsical observation that “everybody seems to be taking a hand in laying out Wellington except its official townplanner.” While one may smile at the joke, one may also wonder how much of truth is concealed in it. lhere is a great deal of rebuilding going on in the city. It may be hoped that it is proceeding in accordance with a definite plan which envisages harmony of effect in its ultimate results.

The statement which has been published concerning the plans for the new civic block is of great interest to the citizens. 1 here is also still the question of the City’s War Memorial. . Again, a large sum of money, is to be raised by public subscription for the National Art Gallery' and Museum. From all these and other fine schemes there should emerge, as the unfolding of. a splendid flower, a city very beautiful to behold, a prideful possession, and an enduring source of enjoyment to its citizens. The perfection of their fruition will depend almost entirely upon the spirit in which they., are taken up and encouraged by the people themselves. There should be no doubt about that spirit if they will take time to reflect upon, the very unique advantages which Nature herself has provided in respect to the situation and configuration of the land upon which the city is built. Continued residence has habituated us to our environment. That which is familiar to us, however, is a source of wonder and delight to strange eyes. The magnificent harbour, land-girt by hills which hold the city and its environs in a perfect perspective, has never failed to evoke admiration. By some it has been likened, to the Riviera coast in the Mediterranean, except for the rich colouring of that famous region, a colouring *due to a perfect blending of the tints.of the houses, and the hues of hills, sea, and sky. To reach that perfection of aesthetic proportion is a task not impossible to us, if we build rightly, in true harmony with our splendid natural asset. We cannot help what has been done in the past, although we can undo much of it by serious endeavour, working on a comprehensive plan. The city began, as all pioneer cities miist begin, by people building where they could. Our early settlers were scattered along the beach, and so little flat land was there that as more people came they huddled closer together, narrow thoroughfares began to branch off towards the slopes of the hills, and so it went on.

The task of undoing that which in the beginning was inevitable should not be too long deferred, for the longer it is postponed the costlier will be the ultimate undertaking. , The modern idea of townplanning is to design, not for the immediate future, or even to remodel to suit a present exigency, but to prepare for the century ahead. The effect of environment upon a community is incalculable. In the earlier years of our progress we have been so busy getting settled that we’have had no time to think of aesthetic values. . This has produced a certain indifference of public opinion, which is not good for citizenship. The remodelling and rebuilding of the city, and the various schemes for its architectural adornment, are, therefore, very timely, and of important significance to the mental habits of'the people. It is to the aesthetic features of our environment that we must look for the inspiration which lifts us from the work-a-day plane of mundane affairs. This attitude of mind provides a standpoint from which we can view the finer amenities of our social relationships and character, and discern their true value.