NAPIER RECOVERY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 104, 26 January 1933, Page 8

NAPIER RECOVERY

Mr. H. D. Bennett Impressed BEAUTY AND NEW LAND Vividly impressed by the remarkable recovery made by the town of Napier, Mr. H." D. Bennett, president of the New Zealand Brass Bands Association, has returned from that town, where a bands contest was held in connection . with the carnival. He believes that eventually Napier will have gained distinct advantages from the results of the earthquake. “The visit of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith brought very forcibly under the notice of visitors the fact that the great earthquake did not mean all loss as far as Napier is concerned, for the Southern Cross was able to make a perfect landing on an aerodrome which bids fair to be one of the finest in New Zealand, part of the 7000 acres of flat land which was raised above tide level by the shake. This area is going to be of immense value to Napier in the future. “A line view of this earthquake-re-claimed land is to be obtained from Bluff Hill,” said Mr. Bennett. “In that respect it seems a pity that at least some parts of Bluff Hill have not been reserved for scenic purposes. This hill commands the most wonderful outlook in the district —over the town, the ocean, and the surrounding country. Yet the hill is all privately-owned, and the residents as a rule front the streets, while their back-yards and gardens run down to the edge of the cliff or hillsides, so that the general public is shut out from the greatest natural look-out in the district. The pity is that at least some parts have not been reserved for scenic purposes, as it would be a splendid aesthetic asset for Napier.” . Mr. Bennett stated that tlie district band contest, held in connection with the carnival, was a complete success, and he returns with a great respect for the administrative ability of the town’s executive. “The carnival is a great success,” said Mr. Bennett, “and the opening procession was the finest thing of the sort I have ever seen.”