“NEW HOME.”

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18027, 23 May 1930, Page 9

“NEW HOME.”

MUSSOLINI ORDERS A PLAN. SAVING MEDIAEVAL BUILDINGS. With an eye to the future develop-, ment of Rome a commission for townplanning has been inaugurated by Signor Mussolini. In his speech the Duce told the assembled architects that in 1950 Rome would have 2,000,000 inhabitants ancl probably 150,000 motor-cars. The city must have new parks, baths, and. open squares, and communications with the sea must be 'further opened up. He gave the commission six months in which to draw up a new plan of Rome, after which the Government would reserve the right to make its decisions. Ancient ancl mediaeval Rome were to be respected, because “they were of the greatest significance and had a high economic value, as they brought hundreds of thousands of visitors from abroad.” The Duce added that by revealing ancient monuments the Seven Hills of Rome would once again be recognise! after having been “smothered in the chaotic constructions of the last centuries.” The Capitol HillThe whole problem of “New Rome” has been recently the subject of great and often bitter controversy because of the devotion to the Imperial monuments shown by Fascist town-planners. Mediaeval houses have been somewhat ruthlesly pulled down to reveal the Roman markets or theatres, and especially round the Capitol Ilill the pulling down has been done so rapidly that a number of fine perspectives have been completely lost. The new commission may yet save this hill and tiie square round it from complete, spoliation, but its work bristles with difficulties. There is general relief that at least for six months, while its labours are in progress, further demolition will be suspended. And not a few lovers of Rome hope that the idea of revealing the Seven Hills will eventually be given up, for such a scheme would involve the sacrifice of some of the most characteristic mediaeval streets and palaces, whose charm is increased by their nearness to the ruins of ancient Rome.