HUTT VALLEY SCHEME

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 106, 1 November 1939, Page 12

HUTT VALLEY SCHEME

GOOD PROGRESS

WORKUP TO TIME

Particular reference to the Hutt Valley development scheme was made by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) in his address to^a meeting of the Town Planning Board in Wellington today. In the absence of the Minister at a meeting of .Cabinet the address was read by the UnderSecretary of Internal Affairs (Mr. J. W. Heenan). . - - • "A matter of particular interest to this board, and of outstanding importance in the field of town.planning, was the decision to, prepare a plan -for the development of the Hutt Valley," said Mr. Parry. "Earlier in the year, consultations took place between representatives of the Government, of the local authorities in the Hutt Valley, and of others, with a view to evolving a formula under which a plan of development for the Hutt Valley could be undertaken.. It was felt that the development taking place in the Hutt Valley from the angle of Governmental activities, local body activities, and commercial activities. was such that all efforts should be co-ordinated to one common plan of development. It is unnecessary for me to say that the Hutt Valley is destined to be a most important centre in the future life and development of this Dominion, so it is wise to take, the matter in hand now. PRELIMINARY DIFFICULTIES. "There were some preliminary difficulties as to the proper method of approach to the problem, and quite a little controversy over these methods, which do not need to be brought up at this board table. It is sufficient,, to say that in the end the Government decided that the work of preparing this plan should be entrusted to Mr. Mawson. and he in turn was to work-in close collaboration with the local authorities affected.

"Mr. Mawson established an office at the Hutt and straight away commenced this work. The progress that he has made and any other details in relation to it that are necessary for you to know he will be able to tell you himself. It is sufficient for me at the moment to say that I understand that the work is progressing well and up to time, and that you will share with me the hope that, when the final plan is produced, there will be in it the material necessary to guide the future development of the Hutt Valley in a way that is in conformity with modern ideas and town planning principles."