EXTENDING THE CITY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17289, 3 October 1916, Page 11

EXTENDING THE CITY.

INCLUSION OF OPAWA. MAYOR LOOKS FORWARD TO OTHER DISTRICTS JOINING. Tho Mayor regards Monday, which marked tho entry of Opo.tra into Greater Christchurch, as one of tho important days in the city’s history. Ho believes that Opawa’s example be followed soon by St Martins, Avonsido and Cash more, as the prospects for tho Greater Christchurch scheme in those districts are bright. Bromley, also, ho hopes, will come in, and ho is looking forward to tho inclusion ot Feudal ton, which, lie points out, now may amalgamate with tho city and still retain its system of rating on the capital value, to which it is wedded. Reading the Hon H. F. V* igrn.ni s “Story of Christchurch," Mr Holland was impressed with the confidence tho pioneers placed in the future oi their little settlement. In ISGO, ler instance, when Canterbury had a ] opulation ui only 10,000 souls, it confidently undertook the responsibilty for a- loan or about £OOO,OOO for the construction oi tho Lyttelton tunnel. In 1804. when tho population of Christchurch was only 6423 souls, the foundation stone of tho Anglican Cathedral, which. ultimately cost £05,000, was laid. 1 The courageous confidence of the pioneers, Mr Holland said yesterday, “should be an inspiration to us to go forward. What was done in the early days may bo done now. With a population ot about 100,000 souls, we should have no misgivings in respect to legitimate municipal enterrpises, which will confer benefits on tbo whole community. ST MARTINS WELL ADVANCED.

Tho position in regard to tho entry of St Martins riding of the Hcathcote County into the city is that a. petition, duly signed, was forwarded to Wellington two .months ago. praying for inclusion in the city. Objections havo been called for in tho usual way, and ono objection lias been lodged, by a portion of the Cashmere Estate. _I he City Council, acting under a misapprehension, .so tho residents say, regarding the rating basis < n which the district was to bo included, has asked the Minister of Internal Affairs to delay' gazetting tho inclusion until the matter is sottlcd. Tho residents, however, desire inclusion on the unimproved value basis, and there is therefore no real obstacle in tho way of speedy incorporation with tho city. As there is only ono objection lodged, it is considered unlikolv that the Government will appoint a Commission to. adjudicate it, the probability being that the Government will give tho petitioners an opportunity of withdrawing the district from tho area sought, to bo included, or of advancing reasons whv it should be included without, resort to a Commission.

BROMLEY AWAITS OBJECTIONS In tho case of Bromley riding, the residents of tho central and more thickly populated area of the riding, bounded by Buckley’s Roal, Canal Reserve, M’Gregor’s Road and Rum Road, have sent a petition to Wellington in due form. Objections havo been called for, and are being--'' awaited. 'Hie district is socking inclusion on a capital value basis of rating. AVONSIDE PREPARING PETITION.

Avonsido riding is not so far advanced with its preparations- lho residents of an area, adjoining the Bromley area that seeks inclusion, from Buckley’s Road to Kerr’s Road, are being canvassed, and the preparation of a petition is making good progress. It. will bo sent to Wellington shortly. This district also .seeks inclusion on a capital value basis.