Faster Progress Towards Transport Building Sought

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30939, 21 December 1965, Page 14

Faster Progress Towards Transport Building Sought

“We are being poshed around,” said Mr J. R. Smith, chairman of the Christchurch Transport Board, when commenting yesterday on the recent adjournment of its application before the Town and Country Planning Appeal Board, concerning its proposed new building in Cathedral square.

.“I am most disappointed—especially with the Minister of Works." Mr Smith said. The board had applied for a specific departure from the civic code relating to maximum height, and 65-degree light angle—but even if this were permitted, it would be in conflict with an order by the Minister of Works limiting encroachment on Customs lane io 7ft, composed with the 12ft given by the Christchurch City Council. The appeal hearing thus had to be adjourned sine die, for further negotiation with the Ministry of Works. “We have been doing our best to keep the proposal moving, and yet we are being pushed around," said Mr Smith. “It is most disturbing. We don't seem to be able to make progress very fast." Mr H. E. Denton said negotiations with the Ministry of Works should proceed.

"Things can be ironed out,” be said. Financial Report "Another favourable report” was presented by Mr E. J. Bradshaw, chairman of the board’s finance committee, on the four weeks to November 7. Revenue showed an increase of £450 on the corresponding period last year, said Mr Bradshaw, and although operating expenses also showed an increase of £304, this was substantially less than budgeted. The working loss (before deduction of loan charges) at £5462 showed a small decrease of £146 on the same period last year, but was better than estimated by £2OOO. The deficiency over the four weeks was £13,443. bringing the total deficiency to date to £92,050 —but this was a decrease of £6163 compared with the deficiency at the same date last year, Mr Bradshaw said, and was less than estimated by £BOO. A supplementary report showed that during Show week, the board's revenue increased £122 on last year’s figure. Burnside Extension An extension of the Fendalton bus route to serve new bousing in the Bumside area has been requested by residents there. A further survey, and report by the board's works and traffic committee, will be made before a decision is taken. Postal Voting The success of postal ballots in two North Island counties, Malvern and Franklin, has encouraged further investigation of postal voting for the board's elections. A subcommittee comprising Messrs

J. R. Smith, S. E. Boanas, R. Jcnes and J. F. Fardell (general manager) was appointed to investigate the matter, and hold discussions with other local authorities. Pensioners’ Cards

A total of 3743 pensioners’ concession cards for use on buses was issued in the week to December 3.