OCEAN BEACH DOMAIN

Evening Star, Issue 22709, 24 July 1937, Page 27

OCEAN BEACH DOMAIN

ANNUAL REPORT TO BOARD la la's annual report io tho Ocean Beach Domain Board, Mr John Wilson (chairman) states; — As indicated in last year’s report, tho work of the Esplanade extension was in its final stage at tho close of the financial year, very little remaining to he done daring the current period. The board is indebted to the St. Clair Improvement Association for the donation of 12 seats for placing along the new roadway. Gifts of seats arc always appreciated, as there is need for them in various portions of tho domain. On the completion of the Esplanade work, tho No. 5 Scheme employees wero transferred to the hockey ground formation w r ork at St. Clair. A further portion of the area was sown, and the remainder is being levelled for sowing. Tho Inpine-covered area adjoining and at tho roar of the tennis courts will also bo cleared and sown down. Tho football ground at St. Clair was partly top-dressed, but a good deal of expenditure will be needed' to put the surface into first-class condition. One football ground at Hancock Park is used by the Rugby Union and is in good playing order. The second ground requires top-dressing and resowing, but is useablo when other city grounds aro rendered unfit by wet weather. Tho ladies’ hockey ground at St. Hilda has not been used this season. The plantations of the domain received necessary attention, and wide firebreaks were maintained. A good deal of improvement work was carried out on the borders of the Hilda entrance during the year, with a view to enhancing the appearance of this portion of the domain. The flower beds were extended and wallflowers have been for flowering during the coming spriiig. The tar sealing of the roadway would furnish a desirable permanent improvement. The old building hitherto let by the board as a refreshment booth was, by arrangement with tho board, vacated by tho tenant and the structure removed by the workmen to serve as a store and toolshed. The board’s regular staff was engaged throughout tho year on general maintenance work, of which there is always plenty to do if the domain is to present a reasonably well-cared for condition. Marram grass planting, repairs to paths and fences, clearing sand, grass cutting, and other sundry operations received regular attention as part of the general routine for the year. Owing to lack of funds this year no improvement was possible to the Victoria road frontage. This work and tho converting of the area at the rear of the tennis courts for the use of picnic parties will bo as much_ as the board may execute during the incoming year. The hoard commenced the year with a credit balance in the Bank of New Zealand and Post Office of £420 17c lOd. The statutory levy for the year amounted to £1,266 13s 9d, and, in addition, the board applied to and received special grants from the city (£369) and St. Hilda (£3ll to enaolo it to retain tho services of the Scheme 5 employees for the year. Other receiptsj excluding refunds on account of No. 5 Scheme ■wages...amounted to £314. 13s 6d, bringing the*'total sum available for the year to £2.402 As Id. Ordinary expenditure for wages of the regular staff, materials, cartage. and other sundry items amounted £i.goq 4 S lid. The outgo for wages of the Scheme 6 employees was £1,447 6s, of winch £6l IR s was borne by the Domain Board. T'm credit balance to carrv forward to the new year is £576 17s 2d.