The London Model.

FASHION rules the day not only as regards dress and other forms of ornamentation and appearance but also as regards town planning in India. Prof. Geddes' condemnation of very broad roads has had no effect on the infallible experts of the Bombay Improvement Trust. They have just now, in the teeth of unanimous popular opposition, launched a scheme of another broad street, following the London model, quite oblivious of their primary duties regarding slums which abound the city. Prof. Geddes has no dislike for the London model itself. It has its place and fitness. Calcutta, for instance, can benefit by following the London model in certain parts, being itself the product of Indian and European influence. London itself, he pointed out, was largely determined by Rome, and he proceeded to trace the Roman influence in the early development of London. But in India, the people have as much right to follow Indian models and ask for conditions that suit Indian tastes as Londoners have of following the Roman or Paris models. Town planning methods cannot be thrust on the people.