ROAD CROSSING REQUESTED

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31092, 22 June 1966, Page 10

ROAD CROSSING REQUESTED

During the last 18 months, the traffic authorities had consistently ignored the efforts of mothers supervising children crossing Riccarton road near Ham road, according the evidence given by a deputation to the Waimairi County Council’s finance, by-laws and traffic committee.

Reporting to the council at its monthly meeting, the committee said that five persons, representing parents

living on the south side of Riccarton road, had asked the council for support in getting a pedestrian crossing near Ham road.

One of the parents said that mothers had voluntarily supervised the children. Apart from inconvenience, the job was at times an ordeal. The mothers had on many occasions watched traffic inspectors drive past without taking any interest. The committee was told that between 60 and 70 children were involved, crossing in parties of about 20, and that supervision was needed for 15 minutes morning and afternoon. Nearby schools could not provide patrols.

The chief traffic officer (Mr W. Sterritt) told the committee that it was unfortunate that a school patrol could not be provided. Supervision could be done by inspectors, but only in the initial stages. The council agreed to put in a crossing providing a guarantee is given that either the parents supervise it, or a school patrol is arranged. Rubbish.—The problem of rubbish falling from vehicles on their way to the council dump in Sawyers Arms road was considered, and it was decided to ask for traffic inspectors’ patrols of the area with a view to prosecuting. Opposed.—Strong opposition to the proposed introduction of 40 m.p.h. speed limits was expressed, to be conveyed to the Transport Department.

St John Site.—Land on the west side of a reserve next to the council’s industrial sites in Wairakei road was made available to the St. John Ambulance Association for the erection of a brigade training and ambulance station.

Remedied.—Told that no facilities existed at Jellie park for football players to have a drink of water, the council decided to install a tap at the men’s lavatory. Subsidy. The council agreed to subsidise sports clubs using the Upper Riccar-

ton Domain at £2 for £1 with a limit of £l5O to enable the park electric wiring to be put underground. Not Upheld—On the townplanning committee's recommendation, objections to the proposed minimum frontage of 660 ft to Johns road, and to its declaration as a limited access road, were not upheld. Lavatories—A tender of £1770 was accepted from M. F. R. Barnett to construct public lavatories at the Bishopdale shopping centre. His was the lowest of five tenders, the highest being for £2337.

Rabbits—Concern at the number of rabbits in the area west of Marshland road to the coast, and south from Kainga to North Beach, was expressed in a letter from the Plains Rabbit Board, which stated that it would concentrate on the area, and charge each ratepayer half the cost of the extra work.

Loan Made—To help the Fendalton Women’s Bowling Club extend Its pavilion, the council decided to make the club a £lOOO 10-year loan at 5 per cent. Scout Den—A donation of £25 was made to the Belfast scout group to help it complete payment and carry out repairs on the Belfast Orange Hall.