Bledisloe Park Improvements.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 224, 21 August 1945, Page 4

Bledisloe Park Improvements.

Some improvements have been carried out in Bledisloe Park by the City Council lately, not the least of these being the provision of two bridges over the Tiritea Stream. Tons of Broken Bottles. About 15 tons of broken glass from beer bottles were picked up by sweepers in.the Auckland central city streets atfter the peace celebrations last Wednesday. Several more tons were removed on Thursday after the second day of the celebrations. City Tenements and Flats. Reporting to the City Council, last evening, the building inspector (Mr till Mackrell) said that the survey ot city tenements and flats was continuing. Over 50 premises had been visited and about 30 notices served to have various matters put in order. Church Street Parking Area. The City Council in the course of the last month received a tentative approach for the sale of the parking area in Church Street, opposite the police station. The council has replied that it is not prepared to dispose ol this section. Gambia the Dominion's Representative. The New Zealand cruiser Gambia will be in Japanese waters with the ships of thfc British Pacific Fleet under Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser s command at the signing by the Japanese of the surrender terms, it was stated officially yesterday. Nails on Roads. The Main Highways Board's magnetic truck was recently used in the parking area at the Palmerston Nortn Hospital and picked up.B2lb of nails. At the meeting of the Hospital Boaicl yesterday a member suggested that it could well be used in the Square to save motorists' tyres from damage. Repatriating Singapore Prisoners. It is expected that two Douglas Dakota transport aircraft will leave Whenuapai airfield this week for Singapore, where they will begin the repatriation of New Zealanders who have been prisoners of the Japanese. A medical party will be carried to give aid to any of the prisoners who need attention.—Press Assn. Bulk Purchases. The prediction that much would yet be heard of wartime bulk purchases by the Ministry of Supply was made by Mr C. M. Bowden, M.P., during his address in Palmerston North last night. Mr Bowden said that no doubt many of the purchases seemed sound at the time the orders were placed, "but many millions of the taxpayers money went down the dram", he added. Thanks From the Mayor. "In connection with the victory celebrations, I would like to express my thanks to all who assisted m any way with the services and the processions, said the Mayor (Mr Mansford) at a meeting of the City Council, last evenin" 'ihe enthusiasm and work displayed had been wholehearted and spontaneous, he added. The celebrations had reflected the spirit of the people. Not Always Opposed. A clear exposition of the duties of "His Majesty's Opposition" in Parliament was given by Mr C. M. Bowden, M P for Wellington West, m his address in the Municipal Hall 'last night, when explaining that the Opposition was not always opposed to Government measures. Mr Bowden described the duties of the Opposition as being to examine critically, but always constructively, all Government proposals. He gave several instances in which the "Opposition had wholeheartedly supported the Government. Changed Conditions. "This is the first time in nearly six years that we have not met under the clouds of war," remarked the Mayor (Mr Mansford) at a meeting of the City Council, last evening. He added that the years ahead might prove even more difficult than those of the war, and reviewed the positions of nations in devastated countries in regard to food atid clothing. The task now facing the Allied nations was a colossal one, for the probkun they faced could easily bring about the end of civilisation if they failed. If we failed to observe the practical teachings ot Christ then we courted chaos and revolution on an unheard-of scale. In public life and in private we had to do our utmost for the good of humanity. Pohangina Reserve. The possible vesting of the Totara Reserve, in the Pohangina Valley, in the City Council as a scenic reserve was carried a stage further at a meeting of the council last evening. It was reported that the city engineer (Mr J. It. Hughes) and the city curator (Mr P. Black) had inspected the reserve. Their report had been considered by the reserves committee, and a recommendation from the latter was carried, thai the council ask the Minister of Lands about the conditions under which the . property could be vested in the council. Cr J. T. Heafcley urged that no delay be allowed in furthering the matter, and he was given an assurance on this score by the Mayor (Mr Mansford).