Lyttelton Critic Of Civil Defence Organisation

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30570, 13 October 1964, Page 18

Lyttelton Critic Of Civil Defence Organisation

The Civil Defence Organisation was criticised at a meeting of the Lyttelton Borough Council last evening by Cr. R. H. Duff, who said that many councillors were completely unaware what their duties would entail in the event of an emergency. The council had received a letter from the Civil Defence Officer (Mr J. A. Leggat) suggesting that it buy a radio set for communication purposes. Cr. Duff said it was absolutely ridiculous to suggest the installation of a radio telephone when the council knew little of the background. “It’s about time someone came down from the committee and got us organised,” he said. The Mayor (Mr J. B. Collett) said he understood someone was going to speak to the council after the wardens were appointed. This was done earlier this year. The council decided to write to Mr Leggat for further information. Lyttelton Cinema. The owner of the Harbour Light Theatre, Lyttelton Pictures. Ltd., asked the council whether it would be interested in purchasing the theatre in order to keep the amenity going in Lyttelton. The matter was referred to the estates committee. Cass Bay Water. The council’s water committee will consider a proposal to improve the water supply to ,Cass Bay at an estimated cost of £lO,OOO. Lottery Money Refused.— An application to the Golden Kiwi Lottery Fund for financial assistance for the purchase of the community hall has been declined. The fund’s committee said it was receiving applications for assistance far in excess of the capacity of the funds allocated to it. The committee said it would reconsider the council’s application when

evidence was presented that two-thirds of the cost of the project had been raised through local efforts—and not by borrowing. The Mayor suggested that the matter be taken up with the member of Parliament for the district (Mr N. E. Kirk). Yacht Club Grant—A grant of £lO was made to the Canterbury Yacht and Motor Boat Club. Offer Refused.—The council decided not to purchase the new pictorial envelopes which have been issued by the South Island Publicity Association. Fire Service Praised.— The Lyttelton Volunteer Fire Brigade was praised by the borough’s traffic officer (Mr H. B. Gore) in his monthly report. Mr Gore said the efficiency of the brigade’s members was a credit to the fire service in general and to Lyttelton in particular.