UPKEEP OF CITY RESERVES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23749, 22 September 1942, Page 4

UPKEEP OF CITY RESERVES

♦ INCREASED LEVY URGED LOCAL BODIES TO CONFER Constituent local bodies of the Christchurch Domains Board will shortly be called together to consider a proposal that legislation be amended to enable the board to levy, for an increase on the present maximum of £SOOO to meet the maintenance of its reserves. This decision yesterday followed a discussion at the last meeting of the board, when it was stated that the Botanic Gardens would have to be greatly reduced in scope and that certain features were already being dismantled, because of the financial difficulties of the board. “It must be patent to everyone that the board is desperately up against it,” said Mr M. E. Lyons (chairman of the finance committee). Activities simply could not be maintained on the present levy of £SOOO. Only four years ago an increase f~om £3500 to £SOOO had been successfully applied for. Mr J. E. Jones: We were too modest. Mr Lyons: We were.

Mr Lyons said that it was unfortunate that when the meeting was called many of the revelations would have to be made in committee to illustrate fully the requirements of the board. It was encouraging to hear many people comment recently that no one would begrudge an extra levy towards the city's parks and gardens. Board Cramped

“I realise that tne board needs money and that it is cramped in every respect,” said Mr Jones, "but many of our extension. were made to accommodate the Government when it wished to place unemployed men. Now I think the Government might help us.” He added that property values had greatly increased and many people had profited. The Domains Board did not get any benefit. Mr Lyons said that when he became chairman of the fihance committee there was an annual overdraft of £2OOO. By “cheese-paring” this had been reduced to £IOOO, the curator (Mr A. J. McPherson) being obliged to search second-hand shops for many of his requirements. Balance of Levy The contention that 99 per cent, of the patrons of the gardens were city people and that the City Council should therefore bear a greater share of expenses was made by Mr O. D. Fraser (Hiccarton Borough Council). "It’s a waste of time calling the meeting,” he said “If the city was rated on valuation on the same scale as Riccarton for Domains Board levies it would contribute £6OOO and not £3OOO as at present, thus removing all financial difficulties.” he said.

Mr Lyons: I’d like very much to discuss that with you in the Riccarton Town Hall.

Mr Fraser; Oh. no, you don’t. You’re going for amalgamation. I am only seeking fair play for the ratepayers. It was agreed to call the conference of constituent local bodies. An application for a reduction of rent from £BO to £6O from the United Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club was refused. Mr Lyons said that the board had nursed the club along, making reductions from time to time from the original rent of £lO2, The club’s financial position had shown a good improvement, .with a working credit of £132 and a special reserve fund of £2OO to buy a motor-mower. In these conditions the rent did not seem unduly high for the three sections. The Canterbury Women’s Basketball Association will be informed that Riccarton corner will not be available on the previous terms as the board cannot afford the £6O for maintenance. If the association can attend to this an arrangement may be made. Eight men will be employed under scheme 13 for 13 weeks, subsidised at the rate of £4 a man a week, costing the board £l'4s 9d for each man.