UGLY HOARDINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21951, 7 November 1934, Page 14

UGLY HOARDINGS

BEAUTY SPOTS DISFIGURED LOCAL BODY PROTEST BOYCOTT OF FIRMS SUGGESTED A proposal that local authorities should try, as far as possible, not to do business with those firms whose goods were advertised on hoardings in the countryside, was made by the Mayor of Mount Eden, Mr. T. McNab, at a meeting of the Borough Council last night. In moving that a remit embodying the suggestion should be forwarded to the conference of delegates of local authorities, the Mayor said every beauty spot was being disfigured by hoardings, and the matter was a serious one. " It does not matter in the cities, perhaps, but it does in the countryside," ho said. " If the Government and local authorities carried out this recommendation, these hoardings would soon be driven away. It is a crying shame. The prettiest spots in the Auckland area are being spoilt." Mr. J. A. Steele said the suggestion was wide, and perhaps needed modification. The Mayor said he did not think it unreasonable that local body delegates should pledge themselves as far as possible not to do business with firms responsible for ugly hoardings. "Newspapers are the advertising medium," he added. In Mr. Steele's view, difficulties could arise, especially where necessary goods were involved. Mr. J. K. Johnston thought the position could best be met in the bylaws. Essential purchases entered into the question. "The proposal says 'as far as possible,' " stated the Mayor. Mr. S. E. Chappell: I do not think it right that we in Mount Eden should propose this because they have hoardings down in Waitomo. The Mayor: We have to think nationally.

The Mayor withdrew his motion in favour of an amendment proposed by Mr. Steele, and stating that the council viewed with alarm the number of hoardings disfiguring the highways and suggested that local authorities should frame by-laws to stop the practice.