CITY AMENITIES

Evening Star, Issue 22630, 23 April 1937, Page 13

CITY AMENITIES

BIS PROGRAMME REVIEWED VALUABLE IMPROVEMENTS CONTEMPLATED An important programme of beautification and improvements in the city and suburbs was discussed at last night’s meeting of the Dunedin Amenities Society. There were present the chairman (Mr Crosby Morris), Mrs H. L. Cook, Mrs Mackie Begg, Messrs John Ash, R. Fountain, H. P. West, J. S. Thomson, D. Tannock, G. Simpson, John Wilson, S. P. Cameron, J. M'Georgo, W. J. Birrell, J. 0. H. Somerville, Dr C. E. Hercus, and the lion, secretary (Mr A. C. Cameron). MOANA CRESCENT. The Chairman outlined the projects in view as a result of the committee’s tour of inspection. The first of these concerned Moana Crescent, and it was decided to affirm the previous decision to make a contribution to the cost, provided that the whole scheme were carried out. Mr Tannock mentioned that tins matter was at present in the hands of the city engineer and had not come to his department yet. DANGEROUS POLE. The telephone pole at the : entrance to Logan Park from Union street was viewed as a danger to traffic, members agreeing that it was a menace in its present .position. It was decided to write to the authorities concerned and ask that it be shifted to a safer location. BEAUTIFYING VACANT GROUND. The committee had inspected the vacant ground near Ross’s Corner, and Mr Tannock ,suggested that it should bo grassed and that about half a dozen kowhais be planted there. Mr Simpson considered, when a grant was under discussion, that there were more important matters to be dealt with first. The whole.of Jubilee Park and the Town Belt needed attention badly, ho said. Mr Tannock; So far as the jiark and belt are concerned, it is. a matter of getting the broom and gorse out of the way. . It was decided to recommend to the council that the work near Ross’s Corner be Carried out, and that £lO be provide*! for that purpose. CAVERSHAM RAILWAY STATION. The unattractive approach to the Caversham railway station was discussed. - The Chairman said that this had been before the society for years, but of late a decided improvement had been effected. Mr S. P. Cameron mentioned that the Railway Department would definitely not undertake the upkeep of the approach to the station. Several members pointed out that this approach had an added importance, in view of the fact that it would provide an entrance to the new Clyde Hill properties. It was decided to suggest to the City Council that'it should offer to take over this , approach and make it an attractive* thoroughfare. WILKIE ROAD. ■ The desirability of making improvements in Wilkie road was referred to, the" Chairman remarking that it was a very public place that was seen by all passengers on the north and south trains. Great improvements could be effected there, but they might be fairly expensive. The broom should be cut down, and the trees planted there years ago should be renewed. Mr Ash said that this was an important project, as, in addition to the rail traffic, there was a big motor traffic through there. A sub-committee consisting of Mjessrs Ash and. Wilson is to confer with the works department to see what can be done* ' JUBILEE PARK. : The Chairman stated that there was a tremendous amount of work to be done at Jubilee Park. He thought that an improvement could be made by cutting out trees that were not’ sightly. The proposal to make a fern gully would provide an admirable project if the finance justified it. ,Mr Tannock said that the worst part was at the entrance where Arthur street came over the hill and joined Serpentine Avenue. After a discussion on various possibilities of improvements in this area it was decided that Messrs S. P. Cameron and Simpson should confer with Mr Tannock and submit suggestions. It was also decided to make representations concerning the state of the steps from Arthur street to Canongate, and from Canongate to Maelaggan street. DANGEROUS CORNER. The chairman and Mrs Cook were asked to discuss with Mr Tannock the steps to be taken to eliminate the danger of what was described as an ugly corner in Littlehourne road near Littlebourne House, and, also to see what could be done to clear up the area opposite the _ High School Rectory. The attention of the Town. Planning Society is to be drawp to the former matter. SPECIMEN TREES. Mrs Begg, Mr Cameron, and Mr Tannock are to investigate the question of planting of specimen trees in Prospect Park and other approved areas. Mr Tannock was authorised to spend up to £25 in securing suitable trees to further the work of the society. CITY APPROACHES. Mr Tannock was asked to submit a report, in association with Mrs Begg and Mrs Cook, on suggestions for beautifying the approaches to the city. Mr Tannock said that ' a scheme could be evolved and put- into opera-; tion with the assistance of the city authorities and of local bodies from Milton to Hampden. HOARDING PLOTS. Members pointed out that several hoardings in the city area cut across corners and that the plots in front of the hoardings had become most unsightly. Particular reference was made to the plot at the corner, of Hanover and Cumberland streets, and it was decided to approach the Hospital Board (which owned the land) in connection with this. Mrs Cook, Mrs Begg, and Mr Tannock will submit a report on the matter.

PLANTING AND CONSERVATION. The Hon. W. E. Parry’s appeal for tree planting and conservation of native bush throughout the Dominion was warmly endorsed by the Society, which decided to inform the Minister of its active sympathy with him in his aims in these matters.