New Zealand Centenary

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 119, 13 February 1935, Page 11

New Zealand Centenary

Sir,—What preparations are being made for the Centenary celebrations ot the Wellington province in 1940? Did we learn anything from Melbourne, and was there a committee appointed to go into the matter, so as not to lose any opportunities’? Has any site been selected” Would it not be wise to proceed with the Evans Bay reclamation, apd use that area for the proposed exhimtion? . The aesthetic appearance would be charming indeed, and ships could almost come alongside, while Rongotai could be reserved for aerial pageants, motor races, and centennial games generally. With the completion of the museum, art gallery and new railway station, Wellington will add to its dignity. Why not proceed with the completion of Parliament buildings, and the three domes as originally intended, for surely the capital city should possess an edifice to give it dignity.” The State buildings are long overdue for rebuilding, and the Government printing office should have been put out into the factory area years ago. Lambton Quay possesses many buildings of the Tudor period, and as viewed from Wellington Terrace, some of them would shame our poorer streets. ' The planting of the hills around Wellington was a wise plan indeed, and is deserving of the highest credit. Could not an area of trees, Norfolk pines or others, be placed above Rongotai. Karalsa trees should do well there.

The more our city and its environs are beautified by fine buildings and pleasant surroundings, the more the city will he enhanced in the eyes of oversea visitors. These people will come in great numbers by aeroplane, as well as by sea, in the near future. The sooner we get ready the better. Surely by 1940 we shall have dispelled the “slump touch,” and no endeavour should be too great to make Wellington a most attractive city. Our harbour and its splendid wharfage facilities are a great asset, and much praise is due to enterprising men for the latter.—l am, etc., PRO BONO PUBLICO. ■Wellington. February 9.