FAIRNESS IN ZONING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 128, 2 June 1942, Page 4

FAIRNESS IN ZONING

"I have come with complete authority to see that the zoning system operates forthwith," said the Minister of Transport (Mr. Semple) at the weekend. "There are no 'ifs' and 'buts.' It has got to operate to save this country." Mr. Semple was speaking in Christchurch, where there has been some organised opposition to the introduction of zoning, and that fact probably accounted for the emphatic tone lie adopted. If zoning of deliveries is essential in order to conserve tyres, petrol, and man-power, and the evidence in the possession of the authorities apparently makes it clear that it is, then we believe that the public will accept it cheerfully. There will be considerable inconvenience, but that is a minor matter-in time of war. At the same time the public will expect to see that the system adopted works out fairly, and in that connection there may be some "ifs" and "buts." For instance, care will have to be exercised to ensure that those people who, from necessity or choice, live in outer suburbs are not placed at a disadvantage as compared wifli those living in more easily accessible areas.

It is little hardship to carry home ordinary supplies of food and

clothing, but there are some commodities, fuel, for instance, which cannot be carried by the purchasers, no matter how willing the spirit may be. Already there has been evidence that residents of hill suburbs have been left lamenting in this respect. They will be entitled to expect that, under a properly organised system of zoning, their chances of having coal and other necessary bulky purchases delivered to their homes are at least as good as those of people more accessible to the source of supply. If the zoning authority cuts out one supplier from a district it has an obligation to see that his customers are served, without unfavourable distinction, by the remaining suppliers. This obligation is created whether the zoning is directly ordered by the authority or indirectly brought about by reduction of petrol supplies. Zoning cannot be viewed merely as a means of saving petrol, tyres, and man-power; it must also be a means of assuring efficient service. Zoning cannot end with the saving; the authority that enforces it must see that it works, a^d works fairly.