REASON FOR PRIDE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 300, 18 November 1937, Page 12

REASON FOR PRIDE

DEVELOPMENT OF CITY. TRIBUTE TO PIONEERS. “No one reflecting on the development of the city from its original bush-clad state to its present position can but be impressed by the great part played by the .pioneers,” states the president of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce (Mr A. J. Graham) in the course of his report which will be presented to the annual meeting of tho chamber. “The value of the hard work, _ cooperation and the community spirit of the early settlers, and the wisdom and vision of their leaders who guided the destiny of the future city, should never be forgotten,” he added. “These sturdy pioneers endured many hardships and great privations and _ overcame almost insurmountable difficulties in laying the foundations of the prosperity we now enjoy. Truly it may be said they bequeathed to us a splendid heritage. To them this beautiful city owes a debt of gratitude —a debt that can be repaid only as wo interpret the duties of citizenship, primarily and essentially as the duties of men called upon to make valiant contributions to the work of our generation.” Referring to the progress of the city, Mr Graham presented figures covering the ten-year periods from 1917 to 1937 as follows:

“The number of dwellings erected during the year ended March 31, 1937, was 69, and the value was £55,463. There a-re 114 acres of recreation reserves,” adds the report. “Many miles of footways have been reconditioned, and during the year a further four miles of roadway were tar-sealed. At present the total footways and streets tar-sealed cover nearly 40 miles, well in excess of onehalf of the total in the city. “The City Council w'as approached with a. view to granting a reduction of local rates for electricity, but unfortunately we were not successful in obtaining the reduction. The matter, however, will be considered when the next year’s estimates are under review. BETTER ROADS. “It is a pleasure to be able to report that considerable progress Iras been made in the improvement of main highways in the Manawatu district. Extensive improvements are being carried out on the No. 60 highway (Shannon-Palmers ton North), a new bridge and trestle is being built over the Whirokino section, south of Foxton. The Himatangi-Sanson highway has recently been tar-sealed; work is in hand for the sealing of the Foxton beach highway. The surface of the Woodville-Palrnerston North highway is a.t present being re-sealed in certain parts. ‘This chamber, together with the Automobile Association, and the City Council, made representation to the Minister of Public Works (Hon.. R. Semple) and was successful in persuading the Minister to declare the Makerua Road a State highway. This will mean that a now bridge over the Manawatu River will be built at Opiki and the road through that fertile district brought up to highway standard, thus bringing the large block of land nearer Palmerston North. “A new model police station is to bo built at Palmerston North; extensive alterations are to be carried out to the Post Office; several new buildings for the Public Works Department and the Palmerston North railway deviation are under consideration by the Government. “Railway time-tables and services have been improved with the introduction of the railcars, whilst the railway deviation near Wellington has resulted in an improved railway service between Palmerston North and Wellington. AIR SERVICES. “Extensive improvements have been carried out at jMilson aerodrome and this district has now probably the finest aerodrome in New Zealand. The aerodrome has now been taken over by the City Council. During tli? year the air service between Palmerston North and Auckland was established and nn extra service is being provided during the summer months. Facilities for travellers on the East Coast (between Gisborne and Palmerston North) have been greatly improved by the extension of the air service (operated by the East Coast air service for the past two and a-lialf years between Napier and Gisborne) to connect with the trunk air-lines at Milson aerodrome, there effecting connection with all service airports in the South Island as well as Auckland ajxl New Plymouth. “The chief cities of the whole of the Dominion are now within not more than four hours of Palmerston North, thus pointing to the fact that if land ’planes are used for the Tasman air service this city’s claim for the final airport of the Dominion cannot be overlooked. It possesses an aerodrome in a central locality, with a wide, open approach, good hangar accommodation, and an administration building. It is admirably suited for night flying, and a large ground staff is maintained at the airport to handle traffic. ’ ’

1917 1927 1937 Population 13,121 19,570 22,596 Dwellings Capital 2,860 4,170 5,364 value £2,806,987 £6,773,449 £7,251,975 Miles of streets 60 67 70 Ratepayers 2,048 3,850 4.660