ST. KILDA BEACH

Evening Star, Issue 20315, 25 October 1929, Page 13

ST. KILDA BEACH

PROPOSED PROMENADE SHELTER DISCUSSION BY DOMAIN BOARD Mr C. H. Napier’s scheme for the erection of a promenade shelter on the sandhills at the St. Kilda Beach came before the meeting of the Ocean Beach Domain Board yesterday afternoon. Mr J. B. Shacklock expressed the opinion that the project would bo of no advantage. Mr J. S. Douglas mentioned that the estimated cost of the promenade was about £IO,OOO. “I think the £IO,OOO could be put into better work for the city,” said Mr Shacklock. Mr E. Longwovth said that Mr Napier’s scheme was an ambitious one, but the financial side of it was the concern of Mr Napier. He told Mr Napier that personally ho would object to the structure going on the protected sand bank, but ho would not object to its going behind the sandhill. The Chairman (Mr J. H. Hancock) said the building would not bo much use on the land side of the sandhills. The idea was to give people a view ol the sea. Mr Douglas said ho thought that m the interests of the progress of the city they should consider tho proposal. He moved—“ That the site be granted on the following conditions;—That it bo approved by tho board; that the designs bo approved by the board; that the party or parties promoting the scheme bo approved by the board; and that every precaution bo taken to prevent damage to tho sandhills during tho period of construction, with proper safeguards against any future damage.” “ I think it is a silly idea from end to end,” commented Mr Shacklock. Mr J. Wilson asked if anyone knew of a building put up in a similar situation. The Chairman said ho thought they might grant permission to erect the building if no damage were done, but they must be careful. Air Tapley, who seconded tho motion, said they should do all they could to assist in 'improving the city and surroundings. Such a structure would help “to make” that part of tho city. At the same time it would he not only for the good of Si Kilda, but also for the good of the whole city. He thought they should take advantage of such an offer. Fn the meantime the motion fully protected the Domain Board. Mr Wilson said that if a company nut up the building it would he run dir profit. There was nothing in tho motion respecting the rent tho board would charge. The Chairman said ho thought a plan from an engineer should have accompanied the request, with a guarantee that tho place would not he damaged. “Does anyone conscientiously believe that the money will be found for this?” asked Mr Shacklock. He added that he thought it was a waste of their time. An attempt would probably he made to bump the thing on to the City Council. Mr Douglas said the board would not approve unless it got an engineer’s en dorsemont. The proposal was supported by many of the most influential citizens. Mr Shacklock: “ Not one of them in tends to put a penny in. They have more sense.” After further discussion Mr Douglas agreed to alter his motion to road:— “That the board will be prepared to consider tho application favourably, provided,” etc., and also to alter the point in regard to “ design ” to read—- “ That plans of the structure be first approved by the hoard.” Mr Douglas said that the question of rental could ho considered later. Tho Secretary (Mr R. Johnston) said that all that Mr Napier could get was a license, not a lease. Tho motion ns amended was carried. Mr Shacklock. tho only member who voted against tho proposal, asked that his dissent bo recorded.