STREET NAMING IN CITY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21775, 6 May 1936, Page 12

STREET NAMING IN CITY

REQUEST FOR IMPROVEMENT

Saying that there was general dissatisfaction throughout Canterbury at the inadequate manner in which street name signs were placed at intersections in Christchurch, Mr C. Rands, president of the Northern (Rangiora) Agricultural and Pastoral Association, suggested at the association's meeting yesterday that the matter should be brought before the Christchurch City Council and the Automobile Association (Canterbury). He said that the question was one which affected the farming community, for farmers and ethers from country districts had difficulty in locating business places in the city. Some intersections bore no nemes, some signs could be read from one side only, most signs were placed too high for present motor traffic, and others were confusing, as there were so many on one post. In addition, most signs were very old and the names partly obliterated. Mr Rands contended that this lack of adequate signs made for traffic congestion. Several members spoke in support of the proposal, but in view of the expense entailed it was decided to suggest that only the inner area of the city bo attended to.

The following will be incorporated in the letter to the council:—"This association respecttully suggests that, if all signs in the inner area of Christchurch were made uniform, the names placed on both sides of posts and placed lower for the convenience of those travelling in motor-cars, it would be of very great help to farmers and others visiting your beautiful city."

"That reference to the 'beautiful city' should fetch them," said one member, amid laughter.

MAYOR REPLIES TO CRITICISM

"This is the first occasion on which I have heard complaints about the street name signs in Christchurch," said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr J. W. Beanland), who is also chairman of the works committee of the City Council, when there was referred to him last evening a report of criticism by the general committee of the Northern (Rangiora) Agricultural and Pastoral Association of signs in the main streets. "There have been times when signs have been obliterated through the weather or other conditions," continued Mr Beanland, "but this is merely a matter of replacement. Speaking in a general way, there io not much fault found with street signs in the city. There are a few instances where the name of the street is written on both sides of the sign, and where a small part of the name has to be guessed. This could be overcome by the placing of the signs out from the post. "The committee responsible for street signs will be only too pleased, in putting up further signs, to meet the wishes of our country friends," he added. "~ A, ~-^