DIAMOND HARBOUR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 77, 7 May 1914, Page 9

DIAMOND HARBOUR.

NEW SUBURB OVER THE WATER.

Although Lytteltbn possesses reserves it unfortunately lacks reserves that can be used as playing grounds, though there are always the hills, of course, where the rabbits in their multitudes tt-mpt the sportsman on holidays. 1 The borough's reserves are mostly grazing lands on the plains, and are leased as such, but for playing giaundß or parks all that the borough possesses are a

! couple of allotments owned by the Government and Harbour Board, and let to the borough on sufferance, until such time as Government or Board shall require them. The Council has done its test amongst difficulties though—it has laid down a tennis court on one of its reserves, and it has acquired the Diamond Harbour Estate. Diamond Harbour consists of 356 acres on the southern side of the harbour, about a mile and a-half from the wharves, and was acquired by the Council at a cost of £7OOO. It is a pleasant, pine-planted spot, with ample room for sports and recreation grounds, and a good bathing beach. ~ A large brick house, once the homestead, has been renovated and turned into an accommodation house for all who wish to spend a restful and healthy holiday there. One hundred acres are set aside as recreation grounds, but it was not solely with the idea of providing recreation grounds that the estate was bought—the main idea was to extend the residential facilities of the borough and to make a model suburb. For this purpose a further sum of £6OOO was provided for developing the property, which has been cut up into residential siies. At present the Council is undecided whether it shall give the freehold of the sections or lease them only, but it is- probable that some concessions will be made to induce people to build there. " A Place for Holidays. < The place is plenteously attractive, and all that is needed to promote its quick growth as a suburb is a speedy and conifortable ferry. At present a ferry boat makes regular trips each day to and from Diamond Harbour, and when the Council's lease of the present boat expires it is proposed: to put on a

larger boat. There are jnany beautiful views to be obtained from the hills of this- embryo suburb, 'which .Bhould in t'-me become not only apopularholiday resort, .but a populous .and self-con-tained suburb. It has been carefully laid out with a view to preserving the natural beauties of the place, arid, being within easy Teach of Christchurch, it should before long be J attracting the dwellers on the plains with its contrast of hills, picturesque bays arid sea air, and its opportunities for sea bathing and fishing. The tendency of Lyttelton at present is to spread towards Governor's Bay, but it only wants the provision of an adequate ferry service to take the population to Diamond Harbour. A Famous Walk. But if Lyttelton proper is lacking in recreation reserves it is compensated to a large extent by being so well supplied with beautiful bays, ideal holiday resorts/ in its vicinity. One ,of the most popular of these resorts, for Lytteltonians - particularly, and for Christchurch residents too, is Governor's Bay, where the traveller may take his choice of either hotel or accommodation house for resting after his climb over the hills. The road over the Port Hills to Governor's Bay' is a strenuous climb, but it can be. managed by any ordinarily active person. From the heights a splendid panorama lies outspread, a view of plains and coast line, and, to the westward, the peaks of the snow-clad Southern Alps. The road could be improved however, and for some time past the Borough Council j has been urging on the Government the ! necessity of making some improvement I to the zig-zag. ' . Corsair Bay.

Charter! s Bay is another place much frequented on holidays by Lytteltonians, arid though it is private property, the owner (Mr Orton Bradley) has so little dread of trespass that he has constructed a golf links for the benefit of all who care to use it. There is also Purau Bay, just behind Diamond Harbour, another beautiful and popular resort, but transcending all these in popularity is Corsair Bay. The foreshore of this little bay has been vested in the council, which has spent over a thousand pounds in improving the place, building cubicles, providing bathing accommodation, and planting shelter trees. The enclosed swimming bath for ladies is one jof the . features of the place, and it is frequently used for publie school swimming). ; aports. The beach, too, is perfectly'safe) foi bathers. The council has recently, acquired an additional five acres at Corsair. Bay as a recreation ground, and. the place is being improved in readiness.; for next season. ' -si