CORSAIR BAY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18185, 23 September 1924, Page 13

CORSAIR BAY.

CONDUCT OF CAMPERS. SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. The question of whether camps should be allowed at Corsair Bay this season was again discussed at last night's meeting of the Lyttclton Borough Council, and it was decided that the les?eo should be allowed to sublet camping sites, subject to the written approval of tho Council in the case of each intending sub-lessee. The matter was brought up by Cr. F. E. Sutton, who said that some" time ago the Council decided not to allow tents to be erected. Subsequently he had been approached by a number of young men, who represented that it was rather harsh treatment that they should be deprived of the use of camping sites. They stated that they had applied for sites, and been refused.

The Mayor (Mr W. T. Lester): Yes; I sent those replies.

Cr. Sutton moved: "That the lessee bo given permission to sub-let sites for camping, subject to the written consent of the Council."

Cr. T. Hcmpstalk seconded the motion. He said he had been approachod by young men of good standing, who told him that if no camps were allowed there it would probably be good-bye to the Corsair Bay Swimming Club. The thing to do to remedy past abuses was to impose the restrictions laid down in Cr. Sutton's motion. Ho would be very sorry to seo these young men driven out of the Bay.

Cr. Morris: As a resident around West Lyttclton, I say that we have had to put up with a great deal. Every Saturday and Sunday night last season a howling mob inarched around to the Bay, singing and shouting. They have also been guilty of stealing fruit. Cr. W. Toy supported the motion, provided the campers knew how to behave themselves. The camps would help to popularise Corsair Bay. Cr. F. G. Norton: I can't support tho motion, on account of tho very bad reports of last yoar. It was reported that some of the campers had girls iu their tents all night. lam very sorry, but things were so bad last year that it causod a very nasty taste in my mouth. I don't know why the police did not stop it. Cr. Miller said that while he_ was inclined to agree with the motion, he must 6ay that he had a number of complaints from his tenants about the behaviour of the campers. He, for one, would bo the last to bar any decent young man who wished to spend his holidays at the Bay. The Council should give every encouragement to the decent ones.

Cr. Grubb supported the motion. The Mayor said ho Avas certainly under a misapprehension as to the feeling expressed by the Council in the matter. He thought the Council had definitely decided not to have camps at, the Bav; He had been approached by several persons with a request that the Council should reconsider the matter. ; Cr W. Newton said he hoped something would be done to stop the noise and rowdiness which took place after the arrival of the last train. Cr. Sutton, in reply, said he felt sure the caretaker would report any misconduct and the Council could then take action. With regard to the stealing of fruit, well,' Cr. Morris had never been a bov if ho had not at some time helped himself in other people's orchards. Cr. Morris: That's all right; but they stripped two of my trees. Cr. Sutton: With regard to what Cr. Norton says about girls in the camps, the Council has no evidence that such was .the ease. Cr. Norton: I must protest. inc matter was reported to me personally bv Miss Cardale. She came down jipccjallv about it. ' Cr. Sutton: I still say that tho Coun•cil has no evidence, although Cr. Norton may have personal knowledge of it. The motion was put and carried.