The Dominion SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1929. BLOTCHES ON THE LANDSCAPE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 140, 9 March 1929, Page 8

The Dominion SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1929. BLOTCHES ON THE LANDSCAPE

Some day, it may be hoped, there will be a strong and assertive public opinion in this country against the advertising hoardings which disfigure the landscape in all directions, and appear to be rapidly incrising in number. The subject is not new but it will bear reemphasising in view of a circular-letter which the Main Highways Board has addressed to the various local authorities. . The main purpose of the letter is to direct attention to the possible risks to road traffic from advertising hoardings erected on private property adjacent to the highways. These, states the circular are generally in such a position as to attract the attention of drivers at the moment when all their concentration is needed to negotiate a bend. In some cases they obstruct a clear view of the r ° ad 'lt is further pointed out that neither the Board nor the local authorities have any control over the erection of hoardings on private property. For these reasons it is suggested that the latter should co-operate with the automobile associations in an endeavour to have the hoardings placed in positions less open to the objections stated. It will possibly, occur to most drivers that the likelihood of their attention being deflected by a hoarding when negotiating a bend has been somewhat exaggerated by the Board. It is, in fact, a ridiculously excessive, compliment to the hoarding. At the sai r*e time where such hoardings actually obstruct the view, they should be removed. The Board declares that no controlling authority exists. It should be provided. Such a requirement is beyond argU best possible authority in a matter of this kind is public opinion itself. If there were such a thing as a public opinion educated to prize the natural beauties of its. own landscapes, and jealously resentful of any artificial obtrusion upon these perspectives,, there would be no hoardings at all on private property, and very strong objections to those on public spaces.. In England at the present time there is a well-organised campaign in progress to preach the gospel, "Saving the Countryside.” This movement is being directed through the schools and other convenient widespread agencies. It includes in its objectives the removal of unsightly hoardings, appeals to builders to give serious attention to the artistic fitness of things in house architecture, and effective protests against unsightly public buildings, bridges, and so on. The ultimate aim is to secure for the nation a countryside pleasing to the eye. Generous support is being given to the move- .■ ment by the Press, and already there are signs that the public interest created is becoming vocal and effective. . ... An instance of this was cited not long ago in the public agitation raised against, the designs of two bridges about to be built over the upper reaches of the Thames. It will be recalled in connection that the dispute, was referred to the Fine Arts . Commission set up by the Government some years ago to adjudicate in such matters, and the result was that the designs were condemned. We have no such aesthetic authority in this country, but we have a TownPlanning. Board concerned, amongst other things, with combining the works of Man with the works of Nature in harmonious and pleasing perspectives: We also have such effective mediums of public education on such matters as the 'schools, the scenery preservation societies, and local bodies. Through such agencies public opinion, now faintly audible, might be stimulated and strengthened.