LYALL BAY AFFAIRS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 65, 19 March 1925, Page 14

LYALL BAY AFFAIRS

PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

THE QUARTERLY MEETING.

The general quarterly meeting of the Lyall Bay Progressive Association was held last evening at the school, Lyall Bay. Mr. A. C: Blake presided over a large attendance of members.

The chaii-man reported on the results of a deputation of thft association to ths "Works Committee of the City Council, which he declared were highly satisfactory, and would, he felt sure, bear good fruit. The main question—the widening of Queen's Drive, between Coutts street and Freyberg street— had received the careful attention of the committee, and the deputation had received an assurance that the work would be regarded as an urgent matter. The Civic League had given its support to the proposal. Another matter of importance was noted by members was the recently commenced low-level footpath from the corner of Queen's drive and Toru, street, northward, along the drive. This footpath has been left in a half-finished state by the council employees, and is regarded by residents as an' eyesore and a danger to foot passengers. Mr. R. L. Jones pointed out that the reply of the chairman of the Works Committee that Lyall Bay was particularly well treated, was not strictly in accordance 1 with facts. He instanced the case of residents along Queen's drive, who had no access to their property, though they paid rates on a high valuation. The speaker strongly advocated the construction of the low level approach to the properties as promised by the City Engineer, as had been done in the case of a part of Freyberg street. It was decided to keep the matter under the notice of the authorities. A DANGEROUS SPOT. The meeting discussed the removal of the plantation at the corner of Coutts street and Queen's drive, where it is considered by motorists to obscure the view and render the spot dangerous, to the corner of the Queen's drive and the drainage reserve. It was mentioned that two serious motor accidents had taken place recently at the corner of the drive and Coutts street. In each case the motorists were on their right sida of the road, hut could not see one another. It was considered one of the most dangerous intersections in "Wellington. The meeting decided to ask the City Council to remove the shrubbery in the triangle mentioned, and replant it at the intersection of Queen's drive and the drainage reserve.

A letter was received from the City Council in regard to the establishment of a branch library i n the Kilbirnie district, stating that the City Engineer had been instructed to furnish the Libraries Committee with a report as to the most suitable site. The meeting expressed its satisfaction at the reply to a request forwarded in June last.

In regard to a letter from the Weiling _ North Ratepayers' Association, suggesting the removal of tram rails and the substitution of trackless transport services, it was decided, on the motion of Mr. Burgoyne-Thomas, seconded by Mr. R. L. Jones: "That this association acknowledges the letter from the Wellington North Association, but that owing to the magnitude of the suggested undertaking', the Wellington North Association request the Civic League to convene a special public meeting of all associations in Wellington, and that-rate-payers in general be requested to attend." •■■■-.....-

It was decided to support the Kilbirnie Municipal Electors' Association in "its resolution, requesting the City Council and Harbour Board to confer at an early date, with, a view to preserving bathing and reserve facilities at the south and west of Evans Bay, in the interests of all citizens, young and old. The action was taken in view of the proposed reclamation of the head of Evans Bay.

Messrs, H. Linklater and E. A. R. Jones were appointed to represent' the association at a conference of municipal associations to discuss the question of strengthening the 'various organisations Messrs. Berham, Blake, and F. J Evans were appointed a) tree-planting committee to collect information, with a view to telf development and beautification of the district. CLAIMS FOR LAN.D TAX. The question of clajms for land tax served on certain residents of Lyall Bay at the instance of the Commissioner of laxes on account of arrears in taxation left by former owners of the Jand was raised by Mr. Burgoyne-Thomas. Mr. R. L. Jones explained the position as due to an Act passed last session to enable the Commissioner to recover from purchasers of property arrears of land tax left unpaid by the vendors. It was pointed out that the claims legally were understood to takeprecedence over mortgages. The assurance was given that the matter was receiving attention. Mr. R. L. Jones moved, Mr. Chorltou ! seconding, that the Tramway Depart- | ment be asked to erect a shelter shed | for passengers at the Lyall Bay tram terminus. It was pointed out that the I terminus was exposed to all weather. [ The motion was carried unanimously. It was also decided to ask the Department to run a special car into the city, leaving the terminus at 8 a.m., to relieve the great congestion existing at present.

_lhe meeting Teaolved that the Engineer s Department be requested to complete the asphalting or other suitable permanent surfacing of footpaths irontmg new residences in Lyall Bay. It was decided to call the attention Of the Automobile Club to the excessive speeding of motors along Coutts street, and other thoroughfares It was decided to write to the Lyall Bay Life Saving Club, congratulating them on winning the Nelson Shield this year, thus securing the championship of New Zealand for life-saving proficiency.

Members expressed gratification at the work done by the Life Saving Club on the beach during the season.