RAILWAY, TRAMS IN FERRYMEAD SCHEME

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30839, 26 August 1965, Page 12

RAILWAY, TRAMS IN FERRYMEAD SCHEME

Construction of a figure eight length of tram track, a section of railway line and reproduction of the Ferrymead railway station are included in tentative plans of the Christchurch i Junior Chamber of ComI merce for development of 1 the Ferrymead historic reserve. The reserve as a whole will be developed as a picnic area, with tree planting and other beautification work. Tentative plans have been made for a paddling pool land the eventual use of hot (springs to feed a swimming bath. While nothing definite has been settled, an outline of I the proposals has been given to the Heathcote County Council, which administers I the reserve, and its chairman (Mr C. D. Le Comte) and Cr. C. M. A. Thompson have had discussions with the junior chamber.

It is likely to be two or three months before the final plan is produced for the council’s approval. Meanwhile the draft has enabled the chamber to go into detail on various aspects of the scheme.

Historic Photographs

Members of the chamber will meet Mr W. J. A. Bnttenden, headmaster of Aranui High School, and studv the historic side of the railway with help from the big collection of photographs and other material collected by Mr Brittenden’s father, the late Mr E. S. Brittenden.

They are also seeking help from the Tramway Historical Society, which has a collec tion of photographs and other data and is working on

(the restoration of old trams and trailers. ! When the final plan has been approved by the council I the chamber proposes to launch an appeal for funds | The railway track and station ( would involve a good deal of expense, and may, like the (swimming pool, be developed on a longterm basis.