EASTBOURNE’S HAPPY POSITION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 32, 1 November 1928, Page 13

EASTBOURNE’S HAPPY POSITION

* BETTER THAN FOR YEARS PAST OBSERVATION TOURS INAUGURATED To enable visitors to reach cheaply and without trouble, what is claimed io be the most attractive local seaside resort, Eastbourne, the Borough Council has inaugurated a daily observation trip. This will be run in conjunction with the ordinary transport service. Though the weather was not kind, a special trip .was conducted yesterday. Those who were guests at the complimentary trip, were:— Messrs. G. T. Wilson (Railway Accounts Department), L. Smith (Railway bus department), W. A. Marshall (Railway Commercial Department), R. M. Ellis (Union Steam Ship Company), A. G. Barnett (Wellington Harbour Board), J. Hamilton (Audit Department), C. R. Wilkins (Tourist Department), D. McKenzie (Petone borough), H. M. Jones (Mayor of Eastbourne), councillors H. Black, S. F. Fisher, J. Hart, J. F. Rockstrow, E. W. Wise, and ex-councillor E. A. Dawson, C. L. Bishop (town clerk), and J. F. Davies (bus manager). Apologies from Mr. T. M. Wilford, the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup), and town clerk of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Hart), the Public Works Department, and several others were received. /

Leaving the city at about eleven o’clock, the party travelled to Eastbourne in the new bus. The Mayor (Mr. H. M. Jones) explained points of interest and new and proposed developments, as the places were passed. A point which earned marked approval' was the road deviation now under construction near Hutt Park. This will shorten the route by about three-quarters of a mile, and will cut out several corners. To provide for the passengers now using the buses in the affected area, one bus out of two will use the old route, although all motor traffic will go by the shorter way. As the weather was so bad, trips to the bowling green and Muritai Park were postponed. A Future Development. After an enjoyable dinner, and the toast of “The King,” the Mayor stated that the principal object in inviting representatives from the various bodies and organisations in the Wellington district was to give a general idea of how and what > it was proposed to do with the scheme. No outing in Wellington provided such attractions. Travellers could see the northern end of the city, and pass through what was going to be one of the most populous industrial areas in New Zealand; Petone, and on through Day’s Bay, which, he considered, was comparable to anything in the Southern Hemisphere because of its variety to Eastbourne. That was after being on an excellent bitumen road all the way. Alike to the tourist, traveller, and local resident, the service offered a unique outing. Eastbourne History. Mr, Jones briefly sketched the history of the borough from the time when it separated from the Hutt County to become a separate entity. Transport was under private enterprise, and the intermittent boats travelled .only when the requisite number of passengers was offering. From a mere fishing village it grew to be a week-end resort. About that time, in order to provide better means of travel to and from the city, the council bought the Duchess and the Cobar. This, he said, had turned out to be a very wise and sound financial proposition. The district grew to be a residential centre, and today was being rapidly built out. In a few years’ time the hills themselves would all be built upon. In order to cope with increased traffic the Muritai was bought, just when the motor-car and motor-bus transport possibilities were becoming in the distance, and later it was found that serious competition had to be faced. One of the greatest problems that had ever faced a borough council in this country had been met and faced by the present council. He himself had had the unpleasant duty of imposing a special rate, but the ratepayers had paid cheerfully and well. It was the only thing for the Borough Council to do. The residents had recognised that they had done their level best to meet a very difficult position. The borough, after going through an anxious time, was now entering on a period of greater stability. Finances Much Improved. “At the end of this financial year I am mire that the position will be better than it has been for many years past,” he declared. “I am very pleased to be able to say this, but do so after a careful consideration of the borough, the ferry, and the bus accounts.” The only logical thing to do in meeting the road competition, he continued, was to acquire it. This was done, and the revenue amounted to between £12,000 and £13,000 per year. A percentage of this was, of course, taken from the ferries. That was a direct loss to the ferries,, and the ratepayers met it with a special rate. The gross from all sources amounted to between £45,000 and £50,000. He paid'a tribute to the borough’s staff. Success in recent years was due to their loyalty and good work. (Hear, hear.) Expenses had been cut down by thousands annually. Not all the work had been done by the council. They had been ably assisted by the bus drivers, foremen, ferry staffs, the present and former town clerks. Friendly .co-operation between all produced stiff better results, and he was looking forward to a continuance of the good relationship that now existed between the Eastbourne Borough, the departments, and the various city organisations. (Hear, hear.) If that spirit were fostered Eastbourne would do what it could in return. The Past. Mr. D. McKenzie (Mayor of Petone) recalled the time when he walked to the lighthouse 41 years ago. The great development which had taken place could be hardly understood. On one of the best laid bitumen roads in the Wellington district the trip was a very good one. He was pleased to hear of the solid work of the staff, and wished-the borough every success with its latest development. Mr. G. T. Wilson, of the Railway Department, said it was a happy idea of the councils to get together the heads of the various institutions to take part in such a tour. Eastbourne was the first borough to recognise the value of bus transport, and was to be commended on its enterprise. He thought the old competition of the buses , would in the end turn out to be a blessing in disguise. He proposed the health of the Mayor, councillors, and staff of the Eastbourne Borough Council.

The party left shortly after on the return to the city.