THE PUTARURU PRESS. ’Phone 28 – – – P.O. Box 44 Office – Oxford Place THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1927. BEAUTIFYING THE TOWN.

Putaruru Press, Volume V, Issue 175, 10 March 1927, Page 4

THE PUTARURU PRESS. ’Phone 28 - - - P.O. Box 44 Office - Oxford Place THURSDAY, MARCH BEAUTIFYING THE TOWN.

AMONGST experienced members of local body organisations which administer closely settled communities, the great value of beautifying the environment of a town is generally recognised. From a business point of view as distinct from the purely aesthetic side,, it is regarded as a paying- proposition in that other things being equal the -town which has been made attractive will always secure additional business, which ) without the inducement of pleasing surroundings would have been taken elsewhere. The recently passed Town Planning Act is a marked indication of the trend of public opinion on this question. No more certain proof of these facts can be obtained than the judgment of communities which have adopted beautifying scheme judgments which are always strongly favourable. Further, one point which is always emphasised in this connection is that which stresses the regret that such schemes were not adopted at an earlier period in the community’s growth. In view of this and the fact that Putaruru ratepayers will shortly be called upon to consider a loan proposal for public works, it is well that possibilities in this direction should be borne in mind with a view to being incorporated in the initial scheme. Putaruru lends itself admirably for beautifying purposes, and the cost of such a scheme would be trifling, and infinitesimal when compared to the benefits received, for the few hundreds involved woj.ll be incorporated in the loan and the cost spread over a period of 36 years. It is betraying no secret to say that the local governing body favour some such move, but more than this is wanted if a scheme which is wm-'h while is to be carr’ed out successfully. A healthy and favourable public opinion on the question is essential. Also, an independent organisation, composed largely of horticultural enthusiasts, functioning *to relieve the parent body of much of the detail work in beautifying schemes is necessary to secure economical and efficient adiffin-,stra-th.n. Both are easily obtainable provided those interested come forward and offer their services, and as there is a wealth of such talent in the town it may be that at no distant date, Putaruru, owing to its key position, will become renowned as one of the most delightfully laid out towns in the North Island. Such reputations do not happen ; they are the result of men’s foresight and careful planning.