THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES Monday, May 26, 1947. WINGATUI HOUSING SCHEME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26470, 26 May 1947, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES Monday, May 26, 1947. WINGATUI HOUSING SCHEME

By his allegation at the last meeting of the City Council, on May 6, that the Council was “ putting pressure ” on the Government to build 3000 to 4000 State houses on the Taieri, Cr McMillan brought about a premature announcement of a scheme the preliminary investigations for which are still in progress. The disclosure may have some eipbarrassing results in subsequent negotiations if a decision is made to proceed with such a plan, but it is well that the public should be informed of what is afoot so that the fullest examination will be made of a proposal which is pf vital importance to the future of Dunedin. At the same time it is possible to disagree with the zeal displayed by Cr McMillan in giving notice of a motion, which will be discussed at this evening’s Council meeting, viewing with concern the Wingatui proposal and pledging support to future housing schemes “in and adjacent to ” the City of Dunedin. This evidence of enthusiasm for the welfare of the city is laudable, though on this occasion it does not appear to be based on a full appreciation of where that welfare really lies. As for the current negotiations, committee meetings have already been held and consultation taken with representatives of the Housing Department. The matter is also being considered by the Otago Regional Planning Council, which may be expected to make an early decision on the scheme. The question of the future development of Dunedin is a matter which has received merited attention in recent months, and it has been realised that the possibilities of extension within the encircling wall of hills are severely limited. There are several areas in which housing schemes could be launched, but expansion of population must' go hand in hand with an extension of industry and there are not the facilities available in these areas. The logical conclusion is that the city must extend itself beyond the hills—to the south to Wingatui and the Taieri, or to the north to Waitati. Of these alternatives, development to the south appears to possess the larger potentialities. There is ample level space for factory buildings and there is also suitable space for housing. This point was forcibly made by the Government Housing Controller, Mr G. W. Albertson, in an interview with the Daily Times last August. Mr Albertson said: The city must expand beyond its perimeter of hills and it seems to me that there is no reason why Mosgiel could not become a second Lower Huft. Electrification of the line between the city and Mosgiel would certainly come if new industries started on the Taieri. It is not good policy to go on building houses on the outskirts of the city when there is little chance of many new industries starting within the citjr area itself. The Works Committee of the City Council is at present considering not only the Wingatui locality but also the other suitable sites around Dunedin and it is unfortunate that the Council should be called upon to discuss Cr McMillan’s notice of motion when the full facts may not be available. The discussion, however, must be guided solely by the consideration of what is in the best interests of Dunedin. It would be most improper if there were to be anything suggestive of a party division on such a matter.