RICHMOND NEEDS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19672, 16 July 1929, Page 14

RICHMOND NEEDS.

BURGESSES* ASSOCIATION MEETS. The monthly meeting of the Richmond Burgesses' Association was held last evening, Mr J. Dougan presiding over a good attendance of members. It was decided to mite to the City Council asking it to improve River road on the Richmond side from Stanmore road bridge to Swanhs road bridge. It was resolved to ask the City Council to complete the widening of Stanmore road. On the motion of Mr Hutchison, it was resolved to ask the City Council to send Mr M. J. Barnett, Superintendent of Parks and Reserves, to inspect Richmond Park and the triangle at Medway street and North Parade, and make suggestions for improvements. Mr Hutchison asked if the inspection of the footpaths and bridges of the district had been carried out. The Burgesses' Association had asked if this would be done over two months ago. In the meantime Opawa, St. Martins, and Spreydon had been inspected. The secretary stated that North Richmond had been inspected by Cr. F. R. Cooke, chair man of the Works Committee, and Mr A. R. Galbraith, City Engineer, but not in conjunction with the Burgesses' Association. It was decided to ask that the inspection be carried out. With regard to the complaint that the morning mail in North Richmond was not being delivered until ISO p.m., the Chief Postmaster wrote stating that the matter had received attention, and the mail was now being delivered between II a.m. and noon daily, and it was hoped to improve this. It was decided to thank the Chief Postmaster for his efforts in improving the service. The following new members were elected: Mesdames Abbott and Hudson, Messrs W. Franklin, H. Grimes, and Wass. Accounts amounting to £5 10s 8d were passed for paymeDt. Mr Hutchison remarked that there were no facilities for purchasing stamps in Richmond after the regular shop hours. The district was a big one, and he suggested that an attempt be made to secure a penny-in-the-slot machine to be placed at the branch Post Office at McKenzie's store. Mr J. Stewart stated that the present temporary branch office did not servs the needs of the district. The Government had bought ground for a Post Office some years ago, and had promised the Burgesses' Association to build, but nothing had been done. The district had grown, and a Post Office was essential. He suggested a further appeal should be made to the Postmaster-General. "We are certain to get this in time, hut we must keep the matter alivt '' Mr T. Morrow pointed out that the Asso ciation had promised in its annual report to the residents to keep this question before the Postmaster-General. It was decided that a deputation wait on the Postmaster-General when he next came to Christchurch. Mr Hutchison drew attention to the dangerous state of the approach to the corner of North Parade and North Avon road owing to poor lighting. A dome had been placed there to regulate traffic, but instead of assisting traffic, the dome was a menace. Mr T. Morrow stated that fully 90 per cent, of motorists never went round the dome. He did not blame them. The dome was not in a satisfactory position. There was a dangerous bank on one side. The chairman pointed out that the Association had asked that a dome be placed at the corner to regulate traffic. Its position had been determined by the Chief Traffic Inspector. He was of the opinion now that the dome was worse than useless. Mr Hutchison suggested that the corner be rounded off. Mr G. Morrow contended that any motorist going at a reasonable speed could round the dome. If the corner were rounded off it would provide motorists with an incentive to speed. It was decided that members Inspect the corner on Tuesday evening. Mr Cornelius referred to motorists opening the doors of their ears on the wrong side. This matter had been discussed by the Automobile Association and the Traffic Department had granted permission. He contended it was a foolhardy idea, and very dangerous to passing cyclists. After discussion In which several motorists gave reasons in support of the opening of the doors of a car on the inside of the road, a motion that the matter be referred to the United Burgesses' Association was lost. With regard to the proposed weir across the Avon, it was decided to write to the eontrolling authorities asking them to make provision so that boats could get past it without having to be carried round over the bank.