NEW BRIGHTON AMENITIES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27073, 23 June 1953, Page 3

NEW BRIGHTON AMENITIES

Residents Seek Improvements

PETITION TO CITY COUNCIL ' A petition asking for improvement works in the New Brighton district to be put in hand without delay, presented to the City Council last evening by a deputation representing residents, was referred to the council’s committees concerned. “While we are sympathetic with the New Brighton requests, we must keep in mind that there are other parts of the city which need development just as much as Nev/ Brighton does,” said Cr. T. H. Mc- ■ Combs (chairman of the finance com- _ mittee). The petition was signed by 1400 residents and 100 residents of other districts, said Mr J. L. Boyd, and sunoorting representations would be made by the North New Brighton residents. It was considered that the works sought were basic for the development and improvement of the district and should be put in hand without delay. The residents»considered that the beach and foreshore were the heritage of the people and a very valuable and important playground for young and old from the city and surrounding districts. “We take some civic pride that the natural advantages of our district should be developed in a way which will be worthy,” said Mr Boyd. Mr C. V. Lester said that any questions would be answered. The Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.): Can you give us your definition of “without delay” in the request for works? Mr Lester: That would be difficult to define. New Brighton was amalgamated with the city in 1941. We would like to have the works put in hand; I suggest that the majority should be put in hand before next summer. Cr. J. E. Tait said that he assumed that although certain works were listed in the petition, the residents wanted other works besides, , Mr Lester: No. Anything we do today will be a permanent thing in civic work. It must be kept up, as the city must grow. A Cr. Tait: I agree with that. I was wondering about reading generally and whether you had looked at the whole borough. Mr Lester replied that the petitioners had looked at the whole borough. The Marine parade, after use by the Army, had been left a waste, but it would not take a great deal to level it. The associations would not be presumptuous if they offered to make suggestions if the council wanted to confer with them. The suggestions would save money and be helpful. The schemes could be built on in 10 years. Work Since Amalgamation Cr. A. J. Smith (acting-chairman of the works committee) asked if the petitioners had taken into consideration the work done and being done in the district since amalgamation with the city. “I will admit that in the days of the New Brighton Borough Council we could not have done the work being done,” replied Mr Lester. “We think it is good work, but we are asking that this further work be done. We are asking for no more work than in other parts of the city; We are not being selfish and we are not criticising one councillor or holding anything against anyone.” Cr. McCombs: There is a suggestion that nothing has been done in New Brighton with playgrounds. Are the petitioners aware of the council s policy? Mr Lester: No. Cr. McCombs said the council s policy was to subsidise the money raised for playground equipment in districts. New Brighton had not put up its propositions or share of the money as other districts had done. Mr Boyd said the residents would be happy to consult with the council on playgrounds. ■ They were not aware of the council’s policy and would meet the council on that question. Cr. McCombs said that if any group cared to raise the money it would be provided with a schedule of costs of equipment. If they were prepared to find their share, the council would be happy to install the equipment. Cr. M. B. Howard, M.P. <to the - deputation): That is one. thing you ■ have got.

£37,400 of Loan The council realised that a large body was interested in the welfare of New Brighton, said the Mayor. That was all to the good. New Brighton was undoubtedly the main playground of Christchurch and a good deal could be done. Every request would go to the council’s committees. He reminded the deputation that of the £90,000 loan for reserves development, £37,400 was being spent in New Brighton. “One. of the difficulties is that the Local Government Loans Board asks us to apply for only urgent work, said the Mayor. “As the money is raised, it will definitely be spent in New Brighton. We will do the best we can to expedite the raising of the loan money, which will go a long way towards achieving your objects. Your representations will be given every consideration, for, like you, we take a pride in New Brighton.” Cr. C. D. W. L. Sheppard moved that the petition be referred to the committees concerned, with an addendum that the question of provision of dressing sheds be viewed urgently. Cr. L. G. Amos said he was one of the councillors who in 1944 wanted to spend £1,000,000 at New Brighton over 50 years. A special committee should be set up for the development of the area. The council had missed an opportunity to obtain a good motor park at New Brighton when it refused to listen -to him. Cr. J. Mathison, M.P.. said the questions‘transcended all those of politics.

The remarks of Cr. Amos had a slight flavour of politics. Cr. Amos: You have tried to misunderstand me.

Cr- Mathison said Cr. Amos would serve a better purpose if he had gone to the trouble of ascertaining what the council was spending and had spent at New Brighton. He saw no necessity to create any special committee, as he had complete confidence in the council’s committees. Most of the petitioners were not asking a great deal for themselves. The recognition was that New Brighton was the playground for Christchurch and all the works requested would improve the district from the visitors’ point of view. “We are not responsible for the economic position of the country,” said Cr. Mathison. “The Government has set up a special committee to deal with loans. Ask Auckland and other places. Cr. Amos: This is politics. “It is ridiculous to suggest that a special committee be set up,” continued Cr. Mathison. “I am keen to see the development of New Brighton and I have confidence in the existing committees to do the job.” Cr. McCombs said the residents of New Brighton were to be commended for bringing forward the suggestions. Cr. Amos should remember that the district was not the only part of Christchurch requiring work. The council had to hold the balance. Sumner also needed consideration. New Brighton had had a great deal since it came into the city. The motion was carried, Cr. Amos voting against it. “You are against the petition?” asked Cr. Mathison. Cr. Amos: The special committee is my idea.