THE WAIKIWI PROPOSAL.

Southland Times, Issue 18620, 19 August 1919, Page 4

THE WAIKIWI PROPOSAL.

The meeting held in connection with the disposal of the Acclimatisation Society’s reserve at Waikiwi has been' successful in securing a postponement of the sale of the land by public auctipn,. The Minister has evidently been impressed by the arguments: in support of the acquisition of this property for homes for discharged soldiers, and the Acclimatisation Society has agreed to his suggestion that the sale be delayed for a month. This will give the necessary time for the matter to be more ■ carefully considered, and it remains for the advocates of the scheme to furnish , all the evidence at their command showing that it is both desirable and feasible. The suitability of the 50-acre block as a site for soldiers’ homes appears to be beyond question, and it should not be difficult to discover whether a sufficient demand exists to justify the Government in putting the proposal into operation. Even if the scheme is not adopted by the Government it may be possible to secure the reservation of a portion of the land for future recreation purposes. If there was a Town Planning Act on the Statute Book this necessary provision would be made automatically in the cutting up of a property such as this, and we are furnished with a timely example of the need for legislation on the lines advanced by the recent Town Planning Conference. The gradual extension of the town has to be provided for, and it will be a great mistake if this area is allowed to be sold without regard to the needs of the not distant future. It appears to us that we have here an excellent opportunity to exercise foresight and intelligence in directing the growth of the city. We have the chance of avoiding the mistakes apparent in the larger centres, and it behoves all those interested in the development of Invercargill on sound lines to co-operate- in seeing that the reserve at Waikiwi is dealt with in the most advantageous manner. There is a month in which to take counsel together, and it should be possible to have this area treated in a way promising better results than are likely to follow its disposal by auction in the open market.