DOMAIN BOARD

Evening Star, Issue 18300, 13 June 1923, Page 9

DOMAIN BOARD

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Dunedin Ocean Beach Domain Board was held at St. Clair this morning, and was attended by the chairman (Mr J. H. Hancock), Messrs W T . B. Taverner, J- Wilson, and J. Dove. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report was as follows St. Clair Groynes. —Since the completion of the pile groynes at St. Clair Beach,, two years ago the work carried out has been mostly of a maintenance nature, or fencing, planting, mowing, etc. Tho groynes at St. Clair, when aided by fascines or bundles of manuka scrub, appear to fulfil the purpose for which they were placed there, as is evidenced by Dio quantities of sand accumulated and held by tho whole three groynes. Especially is this the case at No. 1 groyne, opposite Forbury road, where both rows of piles aro supported by fascines, the eand being held the whole length of tho esplanade.

St. Glair Sandhills. —The marram grass planted on tho face of tho sandhills at the back of the groynes (Nos. 2 and 3) is growing and building up the sand for a distance of a chain or more, which means that there lias been no- further erosion. As tho whole of tho ocean drive at this part has been washed away, si rough path has been made from the beach on to tho children’s playground, about twenty chains from Forbury road. _ Paths.—ln addition to tho path mentioned, the paths through tho same portion of tho domain towards Moreau street have_ been cleaned up, and are in good condition for pedestrians, notwithstanding the fact that the formation is only of such materhil as can bo found ou the domain.

Refuse Tip.—The city refuse tip at Moreau street is well maintained, and tends to fill a hollow in tho sandhills which might cause trouble at that point in case of considerable erosion outside. Tho tip is being covered with material being carted off the public streets, which will eventually bo grassed and planted with shrubs and trees as soon as sufficient area is finished. The roadway entrance to the tip, however, is not in ns goqd condition as it should be.

Main Protection Line.—As mentioned in the hoard’s report for the year 1916, scrub fencing was placed from a prunt opposite Moreau street in some vm-t crescent form lot more than a mils towards Lawyer’s Head, ’ thereby marking tho temporary boundary and shaping the outline Qf the main protection to St. Hilda. This lino has been maintained and has been built up in a wonderful manner, and, by the aid of maram grass, has accumulated some millions of tons of sand, providing an esplanade practically from St. Clair to the eastern boundary of the domain.

Tho recommendations for the present year are—(l) To continue strengthening the cuter sandhills by the planting of maram grass, and the sowing of lupines on the northern side; (2) clearing lupine and sowing grass seed on East Park, enlarging of same by some acres, extending footpaths, and covering same with volcanic material found on the domain; (3) planting pinus insignis, olearia traversii, and other suitable shrubs on parts prepared. The revenue of tho boat'd for the year amounted to £1,277 3s, including balance brought forward from the previous year of £242 Is 7d. The major portion of tho revenue consisted of tho levies on contributing bodies, which totalled £942 15s KM. Tho expenditure totalled £774 14s 9d, the major portion of which was for wages. Tho balance carried forward for the new year is £502 8s 3d. Mr Taverner moved the adoption of tho annual report and balance-sheet, which was carried without discussion. CORRESPONDENCE.

Mr W. Brown (Sunshine) wrote, claiming that tho groyne scheme as employed, at St. Clair and other beaches was his proposal.—Tho Chairman said that tho scheme was an old one, and had been decided on by tho Public Works in conjunction with tho Domain Board. —Tho letter was received. The Otago Football Association wroto asking for tho use of the same grounds as it had last season.—Tho request was granted. A letter was received from the St. Clair Tennis Club accepting tho board’s offer of ground on tho Sandhills to build a tennis court.—lt was decided to advise the dub that rent would bo charged from the date of acceptance. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr J. J. Hancock was re-elected chairman for tho twenty-first time. Mr Wilson was elected treasurer, and the members of the board tho Works Committee. INSPECTION. The board then proceeded to inspect St. Clair beach, the Sandhills, St. Kikla beadi, and Chisholm Park.