NEW BRIGHTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 14310, 2 March 1907, Page 2

NEW BRIGHTON.

' TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The' elections of representatives for the various town councils are now close upon us, and it is necessary for those who wish to make changes in the personnel of their councils to bestir themselves. As a visitor to Now Brighton I know of no place where the necessity for activity on the part of ratepayers in the infusion of ‘‘new blood" and up-to-date management is more pressing. The allotment and allocation of moneys for the various needs of the Borough require keener insight into New Brighton’s needs than is possessed by the present members of the Council. Provision for the proper maintenance of existing improvements is a distinct deficiency. If the Borough desires to popularise itself it must work more for general improvement in the town proper- in order to attract prominent residents. There is no more bracing air in New Zealand than that of New Brighton, and nufch might bo done to make the town a fit place of residence for the most exacting. Tho first great menace to such popularity is the all prevading sand nuisance and a direct approach to the sea for vehicles is of the first importance. Many of the streets are, however impassable and some of the houses have almost disappeared in the sand. Some of the streets are in an unkempt and dirty condition, and many of them have been formed and allowed to be buried in sand upon which lupins are growing. Buev Street is a fair example of what the average street might be with caro and attention. The nomenclature of many of the streets is lacking, and a by-law to compel the numbering or naming of tlie houses would be a boon to visitors and residents alike. It is amusing to find that, although many of the vacant sections are overgrown with highly inflammable material no attempt has been made to make the owners clean them, and it is appalling to think of what might happen if a conflagration should take place, as there is no provision whatever for fire prevention. _lf Sumner can raise an occasional visit from a band surely something might be done in this direction at New Brighton in co-operation with refreshment house-keepeT-s and the Tramway Board to enliven the dismal and dreary roar of the sea. There is not the slightest doubt that any money spent in this direction would be expended with the certainty of immediate return. Would it be asking too much to request that some provision be niade for a library, which Would be considerably more than self supporting; but, perhaps, I am asking the impossible, for whom amongst the Council could undertake tho selection of the books—for such an. institution.

Tiie chief troubles in the marine borough is just this, there are too many of the councillors who only sleep in jSiew Brighton and visit it during the week ends, to know of the direct needs of the district. There should be a greater sprinkling of business men of the township, who are on the spot during the day and can check past | methods and suggest improvements. A statement has recently been made ' public, and not been contradicted by the Council that a roadway has,been made to the beach for motor-care. This statement was made at a recent meeting of the motor branch of the Christchurch Cycling and Motor Club.'

Please allow me to emphatically contradict this statement. No euch roadway exists, and xf the Council desires motorists to get on the beach some more ■suitable way will have to be provided than at present. Ido not know if the Council possesses a sanitary inspector. If it doets, why does he allow a horse manure ' strewn section to exist alongside a dairy on the main road. 1 have a suggestion to offer to the retiring members of the Board which,' if taken up energetically, and well advertised, would create a much greater sensation than the Fijian. Firewalkers. That some Sunday be set apart for a barefooted race, open to members of the Council only, from the Bridge to the fountain, ,competitors running on the footpath or between tramlines to be disqualified.—l am, ©to., VIVAT BRIGHTON.