NAVAL POINT RECLAMATION.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20924, 3 August 1933, Page 15

NAVAL POINT RECLAMATION.

USE FOR RESIDENCES.

UNFAVOURABLE REPORT

The use for building purposes of the unoccupied area of the Naval point reclamation, including the area Kt aside for a recreation ground, is not favoured by the engineer to the Lvttelton Harbour Board, Mr P W. Jwer In a report to the board on the Question yesterday, he expressed Se opinion that the site was more suitable for industrial purposes, addM that he doubted whether the board had power to spend money on the building of houses, except for members nf its own staff. . In his report, Mr Fryer said that the tost of roading would be £8771, and d footpaths, £2457, making a total a £11,227. The only source from : *hich suitable soil for surfacing could bt obtained was from the Waimakunn Biver Trust, and assuming it was sealred free of cost cartage and handBag costs would make the cost of covtftng an acre to a depth of 18 inches, i Sfhen the possibility of utilising part Wfthe reclamation for building purfStes was investigated some years ago, | was decided that this item alone rendered the proposal impracticable as it was considered that land suitable tor building purposes could be obtained at a lower cost in a more desirible situation. The area involved was <"ln my opinion the site is not suitable for a residential area," Mr Fryer Bid. "It is situated one and oneShth miles by road from Lyttelton Iway station, and is exceedingly exDosed Moreover the portion of the reclamation area lying between the proposed residential site and Lyttelton Borough is now definitely an mftatrial area, and I consider that it U/possible that the whole reclamation may.in the future be put to much more Mofitable and better economic use in annexion with the harbour facilities. "Should the future for instance lirto about the fulfilment of the ex•tjictations of those who are even now IWine that a demand will arise in O&tferbury for sites for industrial development with direct access to the tit, this area would seem to meet ich requirements. Deep water berthlie with both road and rail access could be provided within a distance of « few chains; also high-tension electric power supply lines already run right on to the reclamation area, I may say that I doubt whether the board has power legally to expend money on a scheme for building houses, except to accommodate members of its staff, or others eloiel* connected with the harbour works." Consideration of the report was deferred until next meeting of the board.