The New Napier

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7301, 31 October 1933, Page 8

The New Napier

PLANS FOR EXPANSION. OUTLINED TO M.P’S. Per Press Association. NAPIEE, Oct. 30. A party of Parliamentarians visited Napier during tho week-end and inspected many works in hand, also tho proposed development of the district. They were much impressed not only with, the restoration of tho city, but also with the prospects for future expansion, and made numerous expressions of encouragement. Those who paid the visit were Messrs. D. S. Keid, H. Holland, W. A. Bodkin, D. MoDougall, A. Harris, A. S. Eichards and H. G. E. Mason. During the morning they were conducted on a tour of the village settlement, tho 490 aero block being used in the "greater Napier" scheme, the 7500 aero small farm scheme, aerodrome, harbour works and river diversion. Matters wero fully discussed at a meeting held in the afternoon at which the visitors were addressed by local body representatives. It was pointed out to them that the Government had invested £1,000,000 in Napier sinco the earthquako and its future prospects were bound up with the expansion through development schemes, the protection by river diversion and the increased trade through the improvement of the harbour facilities. The members expressed themselves as quite satisfied with the requirements and extended congratulations to the district on the effort to effect a complete recovery from the earthquake. The matter of rehabilitation was also brought before the notice of the visitors and it was pointed out that in a recently issued Government book on the disaster it was stated that £1,000,000 had been ’ granted to the district for reconstruction. This was quite wrong, ■as the money was by way of a loan. 'The total grant of money was not more than £20,000. . It was also pointed out that the public fully appreciated the generosity of New Zealand in subscribing £200,000 for relief. The matter was brought forward to correct a misapprehension through tho Dominion. The visitors promised sympathetic consideration of the proposals as they "come before the House.