SEATOUN AND BAYS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 125, 19 February 1921, Page 9

SEATOUN AND BAYS

ANNUAL REPORT OF PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION. Ihe annual report of the Seatoun and Bays Progressive Association says that among the matters considered during the year were the tramway and bus services, milk supply, welcome ■to returned soldiers, soldiers’ memorial, school committees’ election, foreshore erosion, tree and shrub planting, postal service, advertising hoardings, and amalgamation. Wherever possible some action was taken, and in a number of cases the association’s representations resulted beneficially. It was found quite impracticable to arrange any public welcome to returned soldiers owing to the lengthy period over which the men returned. The form of memorial is to be left to subscribers, and a. committee was set up to canvass the district for the necessary funds. Some time subsequently the committee reported that owing to various other calls the response to the appeal was insufficient to warrant further action.

Not so much planting was' done last year owing to the scarcity of suitable trees during tho planting season. Only about a dozen trees were obtainable, and these were used to replace trees which had died.

"Daring the year the association was invited to join with a number of similar bodies forming the Eastern Suburbs Citizens’ League. The committee decided to take part, appoint delegates, and accept membership. The league* which is composed of the six municipal associations on the eastern side of Mount Victoria, viz., Hataitai, Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, Melrose, Roseneath, and Seatoun Associations, was duly formed, and has done since useful and effective work in bringing under the notice of the City Council various matters affecting the interests of residents of the eastern suburbs. Now that Miramar has become part of the city (and its most eastern suburb) it is anticipated that the league will be of great service to it. The fact that the league is representative of several districts should assure that only questions of real and general importance will be taken up by it, and that these will have the backing of a considerable number of the citizens of Wellington. “As illustrating the good work already done, the league waited on the Minister of Public Works in reference to telephone charges on long distance lines, and were successful id securing reductions in the charges.

"The most important municipal event of the year,” says the report, "was the decision of the borough to amalgamate with the city. Your committee hold a number of discussions upon the subject and spent a large amount of time investigating every aspect of the matter. Opinions wore held in great strength by members, but were evenly divided for and against the proposal, to winch may be attributed the decision of the committee not to place any recommendation before members. The electors having now given their, verdict, it remains' for all parties to do their best in promoting the,interests of the district under the new conditions.”