Model City

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7062, 23 January 1933, Page 8

Model City

Celebrations at Napier

NEARLY A MILLION SPENT ON BUILDING SINCE BIG SHAKE

BEAUTY ADDED TO UTILITY.

Per Press Association

NAPIER, Jan. 21,

T.Ue Napier wrecked by the earthquake of February 3rd, 1031, lias been rebuilt and to-day stands as a model city, tho completion of which is being celebrated with a week of carnival, which commenced this morning, ihere are many visitors from other parts. The Carnival, which is under ViceRegal patronage, comprises a comprehensive in which some of tho principal events are: _ The Aero Pageant at which Sir Charles Kingsford Smith will be in attendance, and which will be held this afternoon. The Napier Park race meeting next Saturday. Athletic sports, golf and bowling tourneySj band contest, and processtions. A. total of £383,806 has been spent on building since the earthquake, of ivhich sum over £850,000 has been for new and permanent structures. In addition, over £145,000 has been spent in restoring municipal services. In the reconstruction of the town, care has been taken to ensure harmony of design, while an important feature is tho complete absence of verandah supports and telegraph poles, the power and telegraph lines being carried underground. Another excellent move has been an extensive street widening programme, which the authorities decided upon when the bare condition of the streets gave the necessary opportunity. As u result, the beauty of the new business area is greatly enhanced. On the Marine Parade an attractive improvement scheme is in progress. The work already completed includes the laying of lav,ms, gardens and pathways while a huge auditorium has been commenced. A large sum has also been expended in restoring public services and on a number of works necessary to the growth of the new town. The municipal authorities spent over £140,000 in re-establishing the water supply, sewerage, stormwater drainage, and roads and streets, whilo a further £IB,OOO has been set aside for streets widening. Repairs to public buildings and general improvement work. Their Excellencies, the Governor-Gen-eral and Lady Bledisloe arrived last night, to participate in the celebrations and His Excellency officially opened the Carnival this morning. They will attend numerous functions connected with the Carnival during their visit to Napier, including the Air Pageant on the ’drome constructed since the earthquake on land raised by that upheaval.

The weather is beautiful and appears likely to continue in that condition.