ON THE RIGHT LINES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 140, 15 June 1944, Page 4

ON THE RIGHT LINES

The brief outline of policy given by the Mayor (Mr. Appleton) at the installation ceremony yesterday will, we think, meet with the approval of citizens generally. The Mayor brings to his office a I'ong experience of civic administration, and he will have the support of a well-balanced council. It is clear from Mr. Appleton's remarks that he intends to make the fullest possible use of'the experience and ability of those who will be associated with him in guiding the destinies of

the city during the next- three years, .a period that will present many difficult problems. The opportunity will be given to every councillor to play a full part in solving those problems, and if the- Mayor receives the cooperation which he is entitled to expect, both, from councillors and citizens—and there should be no doubt on that score—he should be able to give full effect to the interpretation he has placed on the vote of the electors—a desire that Wellington should receive the maximum service to the limit of available finance, labour, and materials. In repeating the statement he made during the , election campaign that he would make no rash promises, Mr. Appleton* has acted wisely. This may be accepted as an indication that every question will be approached in a practical manner "and carefully studied from every angle before a decision is made. By giving individual councillors a greater ■measure of responsibility, Mr. Appleton has left himself with more time to concentrate on major issues, and this should be to the benefit of the city.

Mr. Appleton's references to the question of housing and slum clearance, both of which figured largely in the election campaign,' will also be approved. These are1 not problems that can be solved by a stroke of the pen; they call for careful study and the application of practical experience. The Mayor has made it clear that he is fully alive to that fact. Not only has he emphasised the need for cooperating with the State, but he has indicated his intention to consult builders, architects, town planners, social workers, and others interested as a preliminary to drawing up plans. This makes the'question of housing, as it should be, the concern of every section of the community. As Mr. Appleton has said, the council must make the final decision and accept responsibility, but its-hands will be greatly strengthened by consultation with the interests the Mayor has mentioned. Closely wrapped up with the question of housing is that of slum clearance. This, again, presents many difficulties, and cannot be dealt with hurriedly. Legislation is necessary to strengthen the powers of the council to overcome undesirable housing conditions, and this "will be pressed for, but even legislation is not sufficient to do the job. It merely paves the way for action. Spectacular results are not to be expected at once, but Mr. Appleton has shown, in his first statement as Mayor, that he and the members of the council are determined to get to grips with the question at the earliest opportunity. In this respect, and in other respects as well, Mr. Appleton has made a good start in approaching the many difficult problems that lie ahead.