SPREYDON BURGESSES' ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20983, 11 October 1933, Page 6

SPREYDON BURGESSES' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING HELD The annual meeting of the Spreydon Burgesses' Association was held last night in the library, the president, Mr J. Skelton, being in the chair. There was a good attendance. The activities of the association during the last year were reviewed by the chairman in his annual report. The library building had been renovated during the year, the report stated, many members of the association taking an active interest in the work. The association had been actively concerned with the introduction of oneman trams. Residents had the burgesses to thank for the improvements made in the levels of Harrington and Athelston streets. It was hoped to have the location of the tram terminus changed so that it would not constitute a danger to traffic as at present. The Drainage Board was to be complimented on its work on the No. 2 drain. Mainly through the efforts o±; the association's representative, Mr J. S. Barnett, this drain would not mcon-; venience residents in wet weather. Necessary improvements had been made in the street lighting system.; The municipal authorities were to be congratulated on the condition of the roads in the district. The statement of accounts showed a credit balance of £1 19s sd. The report was adopted. Votes of thanks were accorded to the Christchurch City Council, the Drainage Board, the Municipal Electricity Department, the Tramway Board, and the Canterbury Automobile Association. Officers Elected. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted:—Patron, Mr A. T. Smith; president, Mr J. Skelton: vicepresidents, Messrs J. S. Barnett, P. Hennessy, S. Clark, F. Grey, P. Hand, S. A. Scouse, and H. Ell; honorary secretary, Mr E. Langford; treasurer, Mr Clements: roads committee, Messrs J. Skelton, F. Grey, Smith, and H. Ell; social committee, Messrs Johns, Birss, Smith, Innes, and Scouse. Mr Hennessy moved that, in an endeavour to increase the membership of the association, the annual subscription be reduced to Is. This was carried. It was agreed to make the membership of the association open to all residents of Spreydon. This would allow women to join. A member commented on the position of the sub-station in Barrington street. He contended that, situated where it was, the station was. an eyesore. There was a need for essential work for the unemployed to do, and this labour could be utilised to advantage in having it removed. The alleged inadequate lighting in Domain terrace was commented on by another member. The lights were placed 170 yards apart, he said, and should be supplemented. Mr Hennessy, however, agreed that the lighting in the terrace compared favourably with that in other streets in the city. There was a need for additional lighting throughout Christchurch, but each light cost £5 a year, and if ratepayers wanted them they must expect to have their rates increased. He had expected to see a reduction in his rates this year, .but they had been increased instead. The chairman stated that there appeared to be little use in asking the Municipal Electricity Department to supplement the lights in the streets. The department had very little say m the matter, and it was better to ask it to include the district when the annual street lighting inspection was being made. A motion embodying this suggestion was carried.