Blaketown Complains of Inattention by Borough Council

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1949, Page 2

Blaketown Complains of Inattention by Borough Council

Complaints of lack of attention to the needs of Blaketown are made by the chairman of the Blaketqwn-Pres-ton Road Ratpayers’ and Citizens Association, Mr F. McEnaney, who states in his annual report: — “Although your committee have sent numerous requests, to the local bodies re matters for improvements to the locality, I cannot report much progress during the past year; in fact Blaketown and Preston Road, as far as the local bodies are concerned, do not exist, except for the purpose ot collecting rates and rents. Of all our requests, only one has been attended to, i.e. the removing of storm water from Packer’s Quay. “During the year several letters were written to the Borough Council re stock droving, asking for better methods or another route but it was only when a citizen was badly injured that the Council informed us ti.at other means of conveying stock to the abattoirs would be gone into. It seems a strange thing to the committee that of the two main highways in the Borough, the Council wish to make garden plots in one, (Tainui Street), and a stock route of the other. It will be a happy day for the citizens living on this route when the Council informs us of their new methods of transport. NEW FOOTBRIDGE “During the year the Harbour Board informed us that a new footbridge would be built over the lagoon, fulfilling a long felt want, as the old bridge has fallen into a very dilapidated state. Several new street lights have been erected in Preston Road and Blake Street. The Council have informed us that in the near future they will be building the n-.-w pumping station in Collins Street, so we can look forward to the completion of the sewerage scheme which was started in Blaketown in 1937, and for which the ratepayers in this area have been paying, but have not had the pleasure of using. “The community spirit of Blaketown is still of the best and our congratulations are extended to the Advance Blaketown League on the completion of the Children’s Playing Area, and we trust that in the coming year we will see McLean Park developed. Congratulations also to Lire Blaketown Football Club on their fine celebrations for their 25 th. Jubilee year, also to the Bowling Club on the fine appearance of their green and pavilion. “During the coming year another jubilee will take place, that of the Blaketown Citizens’ Hall, which will be celebrating its 25th., year of inception, and we trust that some suitable function will be held to mark this important event. The funds of the Association are in a healthy state and the hall in good repair.

“In conclusion I must thank the Ladies Committee, Press, and Local Bodies and my personal thanks are extended to the members of the Committee for their willing assistance duiing the year. The keen interest displayed augurs well for the future of the Association.”