UNSIGHTLY HOARDINGS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 92, 20 March 1939, Page 6

UNSIGHTLY HOARDINGS.

Another timely protest has been made in regard to the placing of unsightly hoardings on the highways and by-ways of this country. The entrance to Wellington, a speaker said at the Nortii island Motor Union meeting, is a scandal. Tie was referring to the hoardings established on the Hutt Road by the Railway Department, which reach “all the way to Petone” and prevent in a number of places an adequate view of the harbour. For years past there has been a campaign against hoardings being placed where they offend the good taste of people. Many places of scenic beauty have had their attractiveness s{Killed by the display of advertising material on large frames; again, when highways at various intervals are spaced with huge signs they lose their allurement for the traveller, while roadways flanking railway property have been made most unattractive in order to win revenue tor the Depariment. In many respects the Government, as stated

at the meeting in AVelling'ton, has set the worst possible example, and no matter how much the Minister for Internal Affairs may wish to see the natural beauty of the countryside preserved, he cannot do so when another Government Department pursues an opposite course. Last week the Paraparaumu Beautifying Society called attention to the number of advertising hoardings which are appearing- in that district and resolved to approach the County Council to have them removed. This further reflects public opinion on a matter that calls for earnest attention. Overseas visitors and men who have occupied important positions in this country have condemned the practice, which at times causes not a little danger to travellers when hoardings are placed at points which obscure the vision, or attract the attention of a driver when it should be kept on the road. If the general public rightly are to be educated to preserve the charm of the country’s scenic beauty, then the movement should extend to all who offend.