Exemption granted for paper-boxes

Press, 23 November 1983, Page 9

Exemption granted for paper-boxes

Daily newspaper vendingbox sites in Christchurch — 70 for “The Press” and 26 for the “Star” — will be allowed as exemptions to City Council rules against obstructions on the public footpath. Councillors yesterday said that the boxes had “some element of public service” not evident in other advertising material or goods displays placed on the footpath. The council’s community services and health committee said that a charge should be made for each site. A site permit fee of $5 an unmanned box and $l5 a manned box should be charged from the next licensing year.

Boxes would have to be placed in a way that would make them the least possible obstruction to a' free flow of pedestrians. . The committee also said that a six-month trial exemption should be granted to a Hamilton company that wants to place 22 “Property Press” display boxes in public places throughout the city.

The displays would have free copies of property news and listings for the Christchurch area. The application was made last month by Liberty Publishing, Ltd. “Even with the present by-law, there is a tendency for people to put things out in the streets even though they are going to be prosecuted for it,” said Cr Geoff Stone. He said it would be unfair to allow exemptions except in very specific areas. Cr Helen Garrett said the property listings would provide an information service. She did not see why the city’s by-law should be so strict when display stands were allowed in other cities. Cr Morgan Fahey said the city had “a very sterile mentality” when it came to rules against footpath obstructions. Overseas cities allowed much more room for flexibility. Council staff have carried out an extensive enforcement programme against footpath obstruction during the last six months to carry out the council’s policy of

requiring the removal of unauthorised signs, goods, and advertising from public footpaths. The Chief City Health Inspector, Mr A. P. Millthorpe, said the Hamilton application was for a product that was. “little different from many similar forms of advertising, or trade or religious literature.” Hare Krishna Councillors rejected a request by Hare Krishna to distribute religious books, magazines, and cards in Cathedral Square, the City Mall, and Brighton Mall. Mr Millthorpe said there was no restriction on their chanting and playing musical instruments in those places “provided they kept moving.” Distribution of literature from sites for up to two hours in those areas was another matter. Hare Krishna members also sought donations when they offered the literature. When such offers were refused “they walk along with you,” said Cr Noala Massey.