TOWN PLANNING

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11196, 3 May 1930, Page 5

TOWN PLANNING

■ ' ■-■ BETTERM ENT PRO V I ST r >X NEEDED. A BfH-IXCE FTP A VII. V PEXAF.IGIXG CT-TIKS. (Press Association.) WELLINGTON. May 2. Strong representations to have compensation anti betterment- provisions included in an amendment to the Town Planning Act during tin' approaching sessions of /Parliament wore made to the ol Internal Affairs (Hon. P. A. do la Porellet to-day by the executive ol the Municipal Association of Now Zealand. Particular reference was made to the position of "Wellington, the statement being made hv the Mayoi (Air. G. A. Troup) chat the absence cm' the betterment provision would cost- the city hundreds of thousands of pounds. . . . Mr. Troup, who was the principal speaker for the deputation, said the executive of the Association was very disappointed when it was Found that last, year’s Town Planning Amendment’ Bill did not contain clauses providing for betterment. “In Wellington,” said Mr. Troup, “we wore grievously concerned because we knew in pounds shillings and pence what it would mean to us. With regard particularly to the town planning ol To Am flat, it cost the city council a very large sum oi money through the provision now sought not having been made last session. If it is to lie delayed again this year, it will cost us a very much larger sum. If there is no provision in the future, it will cost- us hundreds of thousands of pounds, because, at present, we find the law is quite useless. Wo look upon the whole of this town planning as absolutely futile without betterment provisions. 1 have been asked hy the Association to urge with all the strength J possibly can that provision he made this year, and u if not made, we will consider that the Government has let the local bodies down very badlv. 1 ask you to take tliis matter into vour verv serious consideration, as the local bodies have both their hands and their feet tied with regard lo town planning. Wo feel that, at present, llio"'whole position ol' town Dimming is hopeless without betterment.. In reply to a ouestion as to whether he 'anticipated that, the lull would eo through the - fTouse this sessionm the Minister replied that that depended upon Ihe temper ■ol the House. Ho promised to have the points raised included in the legislative programme lie -proposed to submit to Cabinet at an early date. The question had already been discussed with his expert, officers. Mr. Troup said the oonlerence was unanimous that the compensation and betterment clauses should he placed before Parliament to give members the opportunity oi votn lg for or against them. The Bill slioTikl not he a party measure. The Ministecr: “It would not be rewarded as a. party measure n ' F brought it before the House.” Mr. Troup remarked that Wellington had a bill ol about £-100.000 joi street improvement and widening and from it not n penny piece had boon received by way of betterment. hi reply to a question by the Minister.' Mr. Archer said that, taken as a whole, Christchuroh was almost unanimously in Favor oi the movement. Mr. Troup declared that, as .alas city populations were concerned, there were ten men in favour ol betterment and compensation 'lo every one against it. I’lie only one against it was tbo wealtliv mini witti vested interests. “Von will find the same thing in the House,” lie said. “There will be a few dead against it on account of their holdings.” “I will bring the matter before Cabinet,” tbo Minister promised, and he added. “I am in favor of giving it a go if Cabinet is in favor of it:’’