TOWN-PLANNING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17548, 13 February 1919, Page 4

TOWN-PLANNING.

It was'said by a politician a few days ago that there are slums in New Zealand as bad as any to be found in the great cities of the Mother Country. The statement is so extravagant as to carry its-own refutation. There . are overcrowded, ill-kept, squalid, noisome quarters in the principal of the dominion, chiefly in those of the North Island, that create a feeling of ropulsion in the minds of people who realise the value of fresh air, sufficient air space, and clean surroundings and that are distinctly discreditable to those who are responsible for their existence. But as the Governor-general, who is not a politician, observed at Christchurch this week, tie assertion that there are slums in New Zealand provokes a smile from those who are acquainted with the conditions that have obtained and unfortunately still obtain in the Old Country. The improvement of those conditions is included among the objectives of the Government headed by Mr Lloyd George, and a passage in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of the Imperial- Parliament suggests that the evil which is presented by them will be vigorously attacked without delay. The stamping out of poverty, the diminishing of unemployment, and the improving of the national health are aims that are closely related, and the statement in the King's Speech that " no tenderness must be shown towards acknowledged abuses which prevent the attainment of these social ends" encourages the belief that drastic action is contemplated by the Government. There is, however, no real comparison between the housing conditions at Home and, the ho'using conditions in New Zealand. And it must be the earnest <©,-

deavour of the people of the dominion both to secure the demolition of tlie insanitary spots that disfigure our cities and to prevent tlio occurrence of such deplorable shim-conditions as have contributed at Home to the spread of disease and the growth of crime. For this reason any indication of the public appreciation of the advantages of "what is known as town-plaiming is to be hailed with satisfaction. The tragedy" of the visitation of pneumonic influenza which, in the closing months of last year, swept through' New Zealand has a.t least had one favourable result in j the respect that it has directed the attention of the community, as no other event has ever done, to the importance and need of public control both of the planning of our cities and towns and also of the construction of our buildings. An evidence of a desirable awakening of interest in this matter is to be seen in the fact that the Government is organising a Town-planning Conference and Exhibition which is to be held in Wellington early in the month of May. The object which the Government has in view in promoting this conference is so admirable that we trust that steps may subsequently be taken to hold similar gatherings in the other large centres in the dominion. It is only by propaganda and education that the merits of schemes of town-planning will come to be realised by the people as a whole, and the more advantages of " the conscious ordering by cities of their social, economic, and civic growth expressed in architectural form and by artistic appeal through the best men to tho best qualities in mankind" are proclaimed the more speedily, it is obvious, will measures to give practical effect to the principles of town-planning be instituted throughout the country. " The question of housing is, as was said on one occasion in a speech by Lord Islington, quoted in a pamphlet, which has just been issued, by Mr A. Leigh Hunt, of Wellington, " after all, the very foundation of the whole social fabric. The' housing of the people goes to the very root of the physical and moral fibre of the people of a country." In the measure, therefore, in which the adoption of the prinof town-planning involves the abolition of overcrowding, of filth, and generally of insanitary conditions it represents a great social purpose and merits the warmest, support of every person who is interested in the subject of social reform.

(Acting Prime Minister) attended the consecration ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral yesterday morning, and m , afternoon engaged on departmental business. He will pay a visit to the Kaitangata district to-day, and will return to JJunedin m the evening. •* The Deface Department is expecting three troopships to arrive in New Zealand shortly. The Zealandia is due abojt Feb1021 men aboard, and the lort Melbourne and Hororata are due early in March with 1215 and 1500 men respectively. \

The following 1 motion was carried unanimously at a meeting this week of the Balclutha branch of tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants That this branch congratulates Mr R. W. M'Villy on his appointment to the general managership of the JSow Zealand railways."

On Friday the members of the Ota<-o Land Boq.rd paid a visit of inspection to the Benmore estate, and on Saturday evening were met by a deputation of the settlers who placed before them a number of grievances. These were considered in committee by the board at its meeting yesterday, and it was decided to forward certain recommendations to the Minister with a view to having the grievances of the settlers alleviated.

At a returned soldiers' meeting at 'Cromwell on Monday night a resolution was adopted urging the subdivision of tho Mount Pisa run and resumption of tho freehold and water rights attached thereto. Another resolution asks that all this run be set apart for returned soldiers only. The question Jof subdivision will probably be urged on the Minister by representatives of four different bodies. One request is for the subdivision and survey to be made at once and a ballot in 1920, one year before the lease expires. In the report of the Early Settlers' Association meeting supplied to us, Mr J. Samson, of this city, was credited with having furnished a framed portrait of his "late" father and mother, Mr and Mrs James Samson, of Christchurch. The many friends of Mr Samson, sen., in this district will be pleased to hear that he and Mxb Samson are still in the land of the living and in good health.

The Otago Land Board at its meeting yesterday _ had a great deal of its time occupied in considering applications by returned soldiers for advances to enable them to purchase rural and town properties and stock, and also to effect improvements. These were taken in committee, and Were dealt with as follows—Rural properties 7 approved, 2 declined, 2 held over for 'reports, and 4 left in the hands of the commissioner (Mr R. T. Sadd); town properties, 18 approved, 3 declined, 2 left in the hands of the commissioner; improvements and' stock, 3 approved.

The president of the Maniototo branch of the Farmers' Union (Mr C. J. Inder), in .oonvensation with a reporter yesterday slated tnat he had seen in the press a. report -of a meeting which Mr Boreliam had addressed, luid it wos there suggested' that Mr Boreham should address the° next quarterly meeting of the union. Mr Inder said ho would like, to state that the Maniototo farmers were fully alive to the effects of the amended Rabbit Act, and would themselves take the necessary steps to protect their own interests.

There is no truth in the rumours that are being circulated concerning the recrudescence of influenza in Dunedin. There have been no fresh cases this year, two which were admitted last month 'being really last year patients, whose admission to the Hospital was delayed. The rumoure seem to arisc from the fact that there are still influenza convalescents in two wards, and naturally all precautions are taken to 'protect visitors from tho possibility of infection.

The following divorce eases have so fax been set down for hearing at the civil sittings of tho Supremo Court next week-— Johanna Shaddock v. Francis Oakley Shaekr lock, Mary Jan© Moody v. Benjamin Wit liam James Moody, David Dickson v Mary Dickson, William Sampson Valentino v. Mario Valentine and Harry Christopher Petersen (co-respondent), Mary Louisa Lister v. John Lister.

At a meeting of tho United Christian Council last evening it was resolved that the council express cordial approbation of tho scheme for a Children's Hospital and Convalescent Home, and to recommend ministers to draw the attention of their congregations to this philanthropic Christion enterprise, and commend it to tho generosity of the people. Mr R. Scrapie, M.P., who has been conducting a tour of the South Island on behalf of the Now Zealand Labour Party, informed a Daily Times representative last night that he had addressed meetings at Nightcaps, Mataura, Iriver car gill, and Kaitangata, and that in each of these centres a strong branch of the party had been formed. He was satisfied that a majority of the public were ready ior a chango in tho administration of tho affairs of tho country.

Wo have more than once commented on the high average life rate of early settlers in the cases reported month by month by the Ota go Early Settlers' Association. At the committee meeting on Tuesday, 29 deatte were reported, the ages totalling 2279 or an average of years.

A deputation oonsisting c f Messrs J. M'Donald, Jeffery, Nicolson, and Duncan waited on tho Tramway Committee of tho C*ifcy Council lost night to urge tho cJaims of tho citizens for same better considers,tion in tho matter of tram fares. After hearing tho deputation the chairman (Cr Scott) informed it that tho committee had already decided to inako the tickets oil the city cars 14 rides for 13, and the hill cars 11 rides for Is. This would bo tho recommendation to tho next meeting of tho City CounciL

Tho soldiers from Anzac Home, Karifcane, wore entertained by the ladies of Waikouaiti on February 5. Messrs Murray, Ilallum, Sanderson, aud M'Gill drove the matron (Mrs Quill), two attendants, and 10. soldiers in their motor cars to the VVlaikouaiti Tennis and Bowling Green, where afternoon tea was dispensed. About 5 o'clock they were motored to tho liall for tea. Mr Kerr (Mayor) gave a short .speech, and Misses Summers, Carson, and Tui Park rendered musical items. After cheers for the visitors and the kidies, tho men were motored homo after a very pleasant outing.

Five boys who had been remanded on a charge of damaging a baker's cart and harness came before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., in the Juvenile Court yesterday. Four of tho boys were admonished and discharged, and the other was convicted, aud discharged. .The Otago Art Society's Exhibition was continued yesterday. There was a good attendance in the afternoon, when tea was provided by tho ladies. The exhibition will be closed on Friday evening, and those holding winning tickets in the art union are expected to select their prizes before then. The sales yesterday included "Nooncby Sun" (Mr Russell), "Dodd's Gully, Silvenstream" (Mrs Goddeo), -" A Grey Morning, Otago Harbour" (Mr Russell), " A Street in Algiers" frt Herdman Smith, F.S.A.M.), "Departing Day, Waikato Jri-ivor" (Gr. W. Corrington). "Near Roseneath, Otago Harbour" (G. W. Carrington), ' From Hudson Park, Now RocheUe, N.Y." (Jos. Wolinski), and ' Diamond Lake " (C. H.. Howorth). Ono of the English brides who reached Australia recently, carrying a baby, called on a Melbourne lady in high society and announced that she had married the lady's son (says a Melbourne paper). To support her assertion, she produced her marriage certificate. The society dame was dumbfounded. She had been in constant communication with her boy, yet he had never mentioned one word > of marriage; in fact, ho was engaged to a Melbourne lady. However, everything seemed all right, so she resolved to make the best of it. The supposed daughter-in-law was brought inside, and made very welcome. The family album was produced, and his' photo displayed. That is not the man I married," gasped the Englishwoman; "he was a different type altogether." She was positive on the point, and the lady was just as certain that it was a photo of her son. The photo was a recent ono, and the likeness was good, yet tho woman was sure it was not lier husband. Evidently, some unscrupulous soldier had imposed on the poor woman, and had supplied her with tho address of another man's relatives in A ustraJia. Now she 1 is alone in a strange land, and does not know to whom she is married nor who is the father of her babe. " We have never made sufficient use of the opportunities for social and intellectual improvement provided by our schools," said the Hon. G. W. Russell, in the course of his remarks when unveiling a 5 roll of honour board at the Aranui School on Saturday night (says the Christchurch Press). He continued: Sin/x? the recent epidemic I have had under consideration a scheme by which I hope in the near future to extend the knowledge of nursing to the people in this country. It is at the present time being considered, and I hope that one of the means by which we shall be able to extend knowledge on the subject will be by gathering the men and women of our country to /schools just as we are assembling hero to-night. I think, by utilising the services ,of the Women's National Reserve and the St. John Ambulance Corps, we shall be able to send our medical lecturers to the outlying districts of the dominion, and by maps, illustrations, and charts, be to extend the knowledge of home nursing, and so provide better means of combating any epidemic which may in the future assail this country. I believe that doctors travelled many thousands of miles during the recent epidemic , where, had the people in tho homes been able to take temperatures, and estimate the general health of the _ patients, their services would havo been quite unnecessary."

Mr Lind will conduct & baptismal service in the City Road Hall, Roslyn, to-ngiht, when a number of adults will be immersed. A welcome home social and dance will take place, under the auspices of the Puketeraki Patriotic Association, in the local hall this evening.

Warrington Beach.—Sensational speed Harley-Davidsons feature afternoon's events. Ist and fastest time 4- miles, 20 miles, sidecar race.—W. Stuart Wilson, Dunedin — Advt.

40 dozen Horrockses frilled pillow oases best make, Is lid each; plain pillow cases' Is each; great valu©.—At Mollisons Sale—' Advt.

The more you talk about the great laboursaving and perfect cleansing? qualities of "No Rubbing" Laundry Help the bettor it is for everybody, but the more you talk about the influenza and suchlike the wow it is for everybody.—Advt.

Watson's No. .10 is a little dearer than most whiskies, but is worth the monev— Advt.

Electric Incandescent Lamps, Drawn Wire Metallic Filament, Philips Manufacttirp if." 25, 32, and 50 candle-power. Price," 3s each. Special terms for quantity orders — Turnbult and Jones (Ltd.), Electrio Engineers.—Advt.

A. E. J.. Blakeley. dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone _ Advt.

Eyestrain!—Consult Mr Peter G Dirk D.8.0.A., F. 1.0. (London), consulting and oculists optician.—Peter Dick, jeweller eto 490 Moray place, Dunedin.-Advt