AN IDEAL SIZE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26532, 6 August 1947, Page 6

AN IDEAL SIZE

DUNEDIN CITY TODAY DECENTRALISATION A NECESSITY “I heartily agree with the suggestion that definite plans for the future should be formulated if we are to avoid the costly mistakes that have been made in the past,” said Mr C. J. Wood, president of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. “I agree, also, that we should be ready, and do everything possible, to encourage a larger population for the south and for Otago in particular. „ . "The suggestions appear to envisage a Greater Dunedin,” Mr Wood continued. “Personally, however, I believe that Dunedin, with its present population, is the idealsized city. We have all the amenities without any of the inconveniences of larger towns. At the same time, the population is large enough to carry our present overhead charges. “Any scheme of planning should be in an endeavour to establish industries in the smaller towns, of Otago. As they grow, so shall we all benefit. “These are my personal views and, perhaps, not in accord altogether with those of the Chamber of Commerce,’ Mr Wood concluded. A Valuable Asset “It is certainly desirable that such planning should be done,” said Mr M. Poulter, president of the Otago Retailers’ Association. “An organisation should be constituted to decide on general plans of expansion and, , where

necessary, obtain the advice and assistance of appropriate technical experts. “As a city grows, so its expansion should be well planned,” Mr Poulter continued. "Citizens would then, I believe, take a greater civic pride and accept a greater sense of responsibility. . , ~ “ Development planning is a valuable asset to any growing city, begause the result of such planning builds into that expansion a well-balanced measure of amenities. . “Retailers, who play an important part in the life of a city, would, I think, welcome such a project as that now proposed for Dunedin.” he concluded.