COUNCIL NEWS IN BRIEF

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26855, 7 October 1952, Page 8

COUNCIL NEWS IN BRIEF

COTTAGES FOR PENSIONERS

Fair progress on the two contracts for pensioners’ cottages was reported to the Christchurch City Council by the housing committee last evening. It said that at Coles place, St. Albans • where the council is doing the job itself), foundation had been placed for two blocks and a third was under way. Sub-floor timber work had been completed on two blocks and framing was continuing. The contractor was about to start work at Andrews crescent, Spreydon. Harewood Fire Brigade.—The formation of a volunteer fire brigade at the Harewood transit settlement was approved on the recommendation of the housing committee. Spreydon Amateur Swimming Club. —At its last meeting the council declined to allow the Spreydon Amateur Swimming Club to extend its club hour at the centennial pool, but last evening the baths committee reported that the club only desired that it should be allowed to use this address as its headquarters with no additional privileges. This request has now been granted. Tiles for Learners’ Pool.—The baths committeee reported that tiles for the learners' pool had arrived. The tiling work will begin on Monday, and the pool will be closed for three weeks. Signs By-law.— Because of “oversigning of buildings,” the by-laws committee recommended a new limitation -allowing one over-veranda sign, one under-veranda sign, and one facia board sign for business premises up to 33 feet wide. In areas zoned as residential it was recommended that signs outside houses should not exceed nine square feet. Both proposals were adopted. M.E.D. Tender.—The tender of S. G. Anderson. Ltd., of £14,653 10s for 30 333 k.v.a. single-phase indoor type 11 k.v. transformers was accepted by the electricity committee. The Rise, Mount Pleasant—An access way off Mount Pleasant road will be called “The Rise” and the finance committee has arranged for street numbers to be allocated.

Centennial Pool Building.— ln the proposed construction of the centennial pool building in stages over three years much material would have to be specially imported and an assurance had been sought from the Minister of Works (Mr W. S. Goosman) that if the scheme was approved, permits would be given at the specified time, the baths committee reported. The Minister had replied that he would discuss this matter with the building controller.

Civic Theatre Alterations.—A. Bulliyant’s tender of £248 for alterations in the Civic Theatre was approved by the entertainments committee. The main feature will be lowering of the balcony rail to give a better view of the stage from the front seats and changes in the ticket office. The major overhaul of the civic organ will be started soon. Rose Species Garden.—The lay-out of the new rose species garden has now been completed and the paths sown in grass, said the reserves committee report, and more planting would be done next year with young bushes raised at the municipal nursery. Paddling Pools.— Authority to proceed with the installation of paddling pools at Abberley, Avebury, and Woodham parks was granted on the recommendation of the reserves committee. New Ruru Cemetery.— As the Bromley cemetery will soon be filled, the reserves committee recommended that part of the new cemetery in Ruru road should be developed. After discussion with monumental masons, it was recommended that it be of the lawn type now preferred in Britain with no. grave kerbings and small headstones on a common concrete band. Eight acres will be developed, the cost of soil, metalling of pathways, and installation of water supply being estimated at £2500. Rawhiti Domain Development.—A plan for the development of Rawhiti domain, including a children’s playground, bowling green, tennis courts, picnic ground, and soundshell, was tabled by the reserves committee. The report said it might be some years before all these amenities were required but various features could be provided when possible. Aylesford Street Reserve.— Because a reserve in Aylesford street is unsuitable for a children’s playground (being bisected by Dudley creek) the reserves committee recommended its disposal (first option to be given to the housing committee) so that the proceeds could be devoted to the purchase of other land for recreation. Library Additions.— Conversion of the old references department into a commercial and technical library, strengthening of the gallery, and provision of bindery and stack accommodation are included in plans to be prepared by the library architect (Mr Heathcote Helmbre) at the request of the library committee. Sumner Foreshore.— With 500 to 600 cubic yards of rock being tipped on the Sumner foreshore each week and a visible rise in the level of sand along the whole beach, “the position is much more secure,” the works committee reported. Another two or three weeks’ carting should safeguard the area for some time. Although recent scouring caused spectacular removal of sand, there was never any question of buildings or the roadway being endangered, the committee said. Provided the present type of protection was continued, there should be no such danger (as was suggested recently.

Plant Mix for Streets.— About two mfles of streets will be treated with plant mix by the works committee following a practice of last year on roads that were sound but bumpy. About 1006 tons of material will be bought from British Pavements, Ltd., at £3 16s a ton. \ St. Albans Public Library.—Renovations to the front of the St. Albans Public Library and additional amenities were approved on the recommendation of the library committee. Open-air Meetings.— The traffic committee approved an application from the Salvation Army to hold open-air meetings on Friday evenings in St. Asaph street, a chain east of Manchester street. School Crossing Abolished.—The Elmwood School pedestrian crossing at the comer of Paifenui and Leinster roads will be abolished by the traffic committee at the request of the headmaster. who said it had never been entirely satisfactory. Coloured Kerbs for Parking.—Painting kerbs, red in no-parking areas and yellow for 60-minute parking areas, is being considered 4or approval by the Transport Department at the request of the Wellington Citv Council, but last evening the Christchurch City Council declined to support the proposal. One of the reasons given was that the usual post signs would still be needed to assist drivers suffering from colour blindness.' Testing of Vehicles.— An increase from 2s to 3s in fees paid to the City Council for the testing of vehicles with H plates has been approved by the Commissioner of Transport, the traffic committee reported. Bridge Loan Resolution Confirmed. —The resolution to apply to the Local Government Loans Board for approval of a loan of £35.000 to build the new Swanns road and Dallington bridges was confirmed by the council No objections were received.