Finance for Estuary study

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32562, 23 March 1971, Page 14

Finance for Estuary study

The Christchurch Drainage Board has renewed its request (last made in April, 1969) to the City Council for financial assistance for ecological survey in the Estuary being undertaken by Professor A. G. Knox, head of the zoology department, University of Canterbury.

The finance committee reported to the City Council meeting last evening that the programme included the possible control or eradication of sea lettuce, and that the complete programme would cost about $15,000 over a three-year period up to March 31, 1973. The study of sea lettuce would occupy half the programme. The committee reported that it “would be prudent to have initial discussions with members of the drainage board” and asked that Crs P. D. Dunbar, E. B. E. Taylor and N. G. Pickering meet board representatives and report back to the committee.

Sunday films.—Applications by picture theatres to screen restricted certificate films on Sundays in Christchurch w-»re declined by the council, which reaffirmed its decision to permit only “A,” “G” and “Y” certificate films on Sundays and to prohibit “Rl6” and “R 18 films. Cr P. N. G. Biaxhail spoke against the decision, saying the council should not set itself up as a censor. The motion was carried on voices. Catchment Board.—The council decided to recommend the appointment of Mr R. F. Stead to the North Canterbury Catchment Board as the City Council-Riccarton Borough Council district representative, subject to the concurrence of the Riccarton Council. The resignation of Mr L. W. McCaskill has enused the vacancy.

Bronze head.—The McDougall Art Gallery has received on indefinite loan a

bronze sculpture by Sir Jacob Epstein—a head of Viscount Portal, Marshal of the Royal Air Force. The work, dated 1943, is owned by Miss Maureen Raymond, of Auckland, and has indicated that she will ultimately will the sculpture and other works to the gallery.

Italian painting.—The gallery has purchased an Italian seventeenth-century oil painting from Mrs A. Gilmour, of Winters Road, for $l5O. The painting is attributed to Bernardo Bellotto (1720-1780), a landscape and townscape painter.

M.E.D. control.—The Waimairi County Council twice last year and again earlier this year suggested that it should share in the running of the Municipal Electricity Department, it was reported to the council. After a meet-

ing of representatives, the City Council took the view that no further action was required at present as the Local Government Commission and Electricity Distribution Commission would indicate soon their proposals for the area.

Control of noise.—The council voted in favour of a remit to this year’s Municipal Association conference that an amendment to the Police Offences Act be made to enable control of noisy parties and other noise nuisances. Cr N. G. Pickering said that representatives of the council’s health and clean air committee were to consult with Chief Superintendent G. Tait, Commander of

the Christchurch Police District, over possible joint action to combat the noise nuisance.

Solatium payments.—-After a free exchange of opinions o.i a statement by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) suggesting that the City Council had acted unfairly in making payments to persons whose land was required for motorways, the council resolved that all local members of Parliament be invited to meet the urban renewal committee to discuss legislation related to, and difficulties associated with, solatium payments.