COMPLETION OF WORK

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28799, 21 January 1959, Page 10

COMPLETION OF WORK

Time-Table For Last Stages

The contract date for the completion of formation of Memorial avenue was April 17; but it seemed that the contractor was running about a month behind his expected programme. However, an extension of time couldeprobably be justified because extra metalling hgd to be undertaken, said Mr N. Sutherland, consulting engineer to the Memorial' Highway Committee. “How is sealing going?’\asked Mr W. P. Glue. It was completed from the airport to Russley road, 10 or 12 chains was done down the south side toward the golf links gate, and it was expected to finish down to Wooldridge road by the end of this month, Mr Sutherland said. “What about from Ham road on?” asked Mr Glue. “Residents will have a lovely time there,” said Mr A. R. Blank. ‘‘l wouldn’t like to live there in the next few weeks.** Mr Sutherland said it seemed that road formation there would begin in February. The contractor was doing his utmost to avoid dust nuisance and inconvenience to residents.

Mr Sutherland said tenders would be called in about a week for laying soil and sowing grass on the berms.

“I hope you put in enough soil. I ' wouldn’t like to plant trees there,” said Mr Blank. The contract provided for the excavation and placement of good soil in the planting sites, said Mr Sutherland.

“What about the Californian thistle?” asked the chairman (Mr W. W. Laing). “Mowing will take care of them—•! take it. that the new grass will not be allowed to go to hay.” said Mr H. G. Gilpin. The committee’s guidance about the foot-wide garden strip along property frontages was then sought by Mr Sutherland. Probably most residents would wish to put in flower borders; but there were some long stretches of unoccupied land, which would not receive private attention. If the gardenstrips were sown in grass, it Would be almost impossible to mow them and if they were sealed the surface would be disturbed' by hedge roots. _ On the suggestion of Mr D. P. McLellan (Waimairi County Engineer) it was agreed to leave this problem till the end of the project to be considered with other wagh-up measures.

m Watering ProMem . When Mr Glue asked about tree planting, Mr Gilpin said it was hoped to do this in the autumn. What about watering? asked Mr McLellan. Should a small water main be laid along the lawn Strips? Mr Gilpin said watering might be dodged if there was autumn sowing. Because of the attention required in watering sections over the full length, he did not think there was a hope of keeping the lawns green all the summer. Could fire hydrants be used? asked Mr M. A. Connelly, M.P. Mr McLellan said this would involve hoses across the roadway. This problem was deferred pending further investigation, including the likelihood that residents 1 might be interested and proud enough to water the sections outside their homes.

As the meeting terminated, Mr Laing said: “You, may think me silly; but this project is now approaching its end. Are we going to have an opehing ceremony and, if so, when?”

The City Council was Inviting the Governor-General (Lord Cobham) to open the airport terminal building in November and his Excellency might, very appropriately, be invited to open the avenue of the same day, said Mr Glue. By then cleaning up would be well over, the grass would be up, trees and shrubs would be in, and the whole avenue would have assumed its final appearance. It was agreed to inquire whether the Governor-General would be willing to perform the ceremony at this time.