To Restore Rabaul’S

Beauty

Committee Already at Work

From Our Own Correspondent

Rabaul, July 1

A LREADY, with speed and little \ fuss, the District Commissioner has got to work with a small )cal committee, to make plans for nd proceed with the building of lorthern New Guinea’s capital on be site of old. war-blasted Rabaul. ’he Committee comprises: The District Commissioner (chair aan) and Messrs. J. J. Murphy, Mstrict Officer; G. I. McLennan, department of Works; D. Barrett, JLC; W. B. Ryan, Rabaul Ad isory Council; J. L. Chipper, Charn ter of Commerce; J. C. Koeford, .and Valuator; A. Richards, Ex

iropriation Board.

Since funds have already been allocated for a permanent escape oute over Tunnel Hill, and for a lew wharf and Customs sheds, it iras agreed that priority be given hese two works, and that wharfage acilities be suitable for both large ,nd small craft.

The need for a surveyor to define xisting boundaries of freehold and easehold blocks was emphasised.

Suitable sites for the native and Asiatic Hospitals were debated, and pnsideration given to Rapindik (on he eastern foreshore of Matupi larbour) as a possible site for the Native Hospital, Pathology and X- Ray Departments; and, probably, ilso the native compounds. There vas a suggestion of a light railway o connect Rapindik with Rabaul.

It was decided that all reserves ncluding the Botanic, Baths and Recreation reserves should revert o their proper purpose. The single vomens quarters at the Recreation Reserves will be removed.

The Committee urged generous jarklands and every effort to re bate the pre-war “Rabaul beauti ;ul.” (Some progress has already >een made following an Advisory Council decision that all roads and >pen spaces should be bordered with

luitable trees. Shrapnel-damaged

,rees in Mango Avenue have been •eplaced by Kamarere trees and the ipproaches to Namanula Hospital wrdered with Jacarandas —all, plus ;he tree guards, a gift to the town :rom Mr, J. L. Chipper.) The Committee discussed the special bracing of houses and mini num slope of roofs, so as to pre sent damage by earth tremors or ninor eruptions. It suggested the Building Board should carefully jheck all types of buildings: (a) to ensure that proper buildings are erected; (b) to prevent residential areas being encroached upon by eommercial and industrial concerns.

It is anticipated the residential area will expand up the slopes of

the Namanula Hills, on the hill itself, and to the north of Malaguna Road.

The DC said the Administration would ultimately provide power and light for the entire town.

Permanent water supply and sewerage plans were discussed.