IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES

Wairarapa Age, 14 June 1927, Page 5

IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES

STATE AND LOCAL BODIES. A LOCAL EXAMPLE. BAIL WAYS SETTLEMENT. , Representatives of the Masterton Borough Council yesterday interviewed Mr. R. B. Hammond, Director of Town Planning, regarding the attitude adopted by the Railways Department in the laying out of the railway settlement off Lincoln Road. At a recent meeting, the Council regpested the Department to continue the road from its present termination through. Borough property to link up With Bentley Street, thereby obviating • 4 4 blind" street and a dead end in the flrainage and water systems. The Council offered the land if the Department would form the road. The Director was met at the Council Chambers. The Mayor (Mr. T. Jordan) toresided and Councillors Fletcher, Jenkins, MeCiymont and Anderson were in Attendance. “BLIND ALLEY.” Mr. Jordan stated that in connection With any new subdivision such as this, the Department was not bound to submit a plan to the local authority, but in this case the Railways Departure at had extended the Masterton Borough the courtesy of forwarding a plan and asking for comments upon it. The Kouncil, said Mr. Jordan, had requested the Department to extend its proposed * 4 blind alley” to Bentley Street to conform with the Borough roading system, and to set aside an area for a children's playground. Mr. Hammond observed that no private land-owner, for instance, could be (compelled to form a road in any subidivision past his own boundary. Pro triding an owner implied with the Acts and by-laws, and made provision for a reasonable linking-up with existing streets and services, nothing further could be expected. Mr. Jordan: 44 We11, how can the ffown Planning Act help usf We have ■sked for an open spaoe to be dedicated, and the Department has agreed to Bet aside the space which they say will mot be built on for some time.” Mr. Hammond: “I understand from the Department that the space is never likely to be occupied.” Mr Jordan: ‘‘But that is not dedicating it. I understand that they will not dedicate a foot of it for an open space. EThey say it is too valuable.” Mr. Hammond: “I have no power to bay what they should do. My position is merely to recommend to them what I think is the right thing to do from a .town planning point of view.” * A LAW UNTO THEMSELVES. ICr. Jordan: “I am afraid that the Department are a law unto themselves, ffhey have taken no notice whatever of local legislation. It seems unreasonable that. tho Crown should not observe the provisions of its own laws. Another Instance of the manner ;n which they disregarded local by-laws comes in an intimation that they do not propose tr submit to ns the plans of any buildings Which they propose to ereet within the borough. ’ ’ BASIS OF CO-OPERATION. Mr. Hammond said that the Minister Controlling his Department had requested the Ministers of all other Departments to notify their permanent heads to confer with the Director of ffown Planning with respect to subdivisions and any other matter affecting town planning. He thought this would ensure effective eo-operation, in •he matter of town planning schemes, Between Departments and local bodies’. Mr. Jordan contended that it was tnost unfair for the Crown to adopt the attitude it had in this matter. Private owners, he said, would not be allowed to adopt the same policy. He felt that the Crown should be bound by its own Acts, and should set a good example to its subjects. “ what chance have you.” Mr. Jordan asked, "of getting the Various Government Departments to harry out your • Mr Hammond: "As far as town planning is concerned. I recommend to I them what I think is right and it is left to them to carry my recommendations out.” After further discussion, Mr Hammond recommended the council to confer with the Railways Board on the matter. He stated’that he would be pleased to attend the conference.