Study of small-craft facilities “essential”

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32701, 2 September 1971, Page 15

Study of small-craft facilities “essential”

The increasing number of runabouts and pleasure craft being built and sold in Christchurch made it essential that the landing places and beaches round the harbour be reviewed by the board, said Captain A. R. Champion at the Lyttelton Harbour Board’s meeting yesterday.

“All the beaches and landing places are going to be used more and more. A review in the light of the future is essential from the point of view of public safety and of ensuring the right of public access,” he said.

Mr J. E. Mannering, chairman of the small-craft committee, reported that an inspection of Paradise Bay had shown a site had been altered without the board’s permission and a letter should be sent to the licence holder. “The committee feels that consideration in future should be given to the removal of some slipways from the more popular beaches and that public facili ties be provided in selected areas,” he said.

Mr Mannering said that the board should consult the Mount Herbert County Council, and board members agreed that that was essential.

Later, when boating and; swimming were at their peak,l the board and the county council should inspect the bays, beaches, and slipways to determine future policy, Mr Mannering said. Mr R. G. Gerard said that a review was essential because of the increasing number of unauthorised structures. He thought a start should be made soon because of danger to the public and the need to keep public access open to bays and beaches.

pressed with the landscaping and planting plans for the new public launching ramp at Naval Point. It would be like a park when the trees and shrubs had grown.

Mr Mannering said that his committee had been most im-