A CRUMBLING BANK

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 5, 1 October 1929, Page 5

A CRUMBLING BANK

APPROACH TO HOME OF COMPASSION

A deputation representing the Island ,Bay Home of Compassion was introduced to the Works Committee of the City Council yesterday afternoon by Councillor R. Semple, who explained that a bank above the road ) Rhine Street, extension) was eroding, gradually imperilling the stability of the land above where the sisterhood were building a new convent. Mr. A. B. Croker (of the Island Bay Ratepayers’ Association) mentioned that the road was constructed by the City Council. It was to have been on a grade of one in twelve right up to the main entrance of the home, but when it was completed it was found that part of it had a grade of one in seven. It was to have cost about £4OO, but the expense ran into over £6OO, the greater part of which had been found by the sisters. They now wished to provide an addition to the home, and a light wall was required to prevent any further slipping away of the bank. The sisters had been told that drainage was the cure, but he did not think that drainage would altogether prevent further fretting or erosion of the bank.

Sister Angela, one of the Order concerned, drew attention to the bad bend at the beginning of the extension which provided the approach to the home, and said that medical men and other visitors complained of it, as well as of the absence of a light at the bend. The road generally reflected no credit upon the City Council or-themselves.

Mr. Crocker said that great work was being done at the home by the sisters, which saved the council considerable money—the cases they took in would otherwise become a charge on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board —yet the only assured income the sisters had was the sum of £lOO a year—the rest was all voluntary donations and subscriptions. The rates charged on the home amounted to £132, so that the only assured income was more' than absorbed by the rates. Councillor W. 11. Bennett, on behalf of the committee, said he was sure his fellow councillors had the greatest admiration for the work the sisters were doing, and anything they could do to assist them would be done. He would get a report from the officers.