STREET STALLS – WHERE SHOULD THEY GO?

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 272, 20 November 1934, Page 8

STREET STALLS - WHERE SHOULD THEY GO?

Business Interests Approach Council KEEPING CHRISTMAS CLEAR Retailers in Broadway forwarded a petition to the City Council last evening requesting the fixing of the location of the stall site in some locality where the ordinary business of the ratepayers will not be affected. On this mafiter tho traffic manager (Mr. 11. J. Smith) reported as follows: ‘ 1 In allocating positions for street stalls tho position would be simplified and would be fairer to all concerned if a decision be first mado as to whether all positions should be allotted on the outer or the inner side of tho Square. The inner side can be ruled out in nearly every locality that might bo suggested as being out of the way of the public using the street. Though this may suit the public, it would not be very helpful to tho society attempting to raise funds. This leaves the outside boundary of tho Square to be considered. The outer area is divided into eight divisions or sections. To place one in position where it is now held and tho remaining seven on tho outer area would hardly be fair to tho business places in front of which tho seven stalls may be allotted, while the eighth would not be situated in front of business premises. Personally, lam of the opinion that if street stalls are to be continued, the present place should be abolished and one position allotted between Broadway and Eangitikei.street, one between Eangitikei street and Coleman Place, ono between Coleman Place and the Commercial hotel, one between Coles’ buildings and the Grand hotel, and so on until tho Square has been completed. A chart could be drawn up that would show the place and the society to which stands had previously been allotted to enable the council to allot the next stand when applied for. The council, if deciding on this method would require to make it definite as decided objections can be counted on from business premises at present free from stalls in their locality. Traffic is increasing but the area of the Square is not and I am of the opinion that it may soon be considered necessary to review the wholo position of street stalls and processions within the Square. I am of the opinion that mock courts should not again be permitted as so many adverse remarks are passed against this method of collecting. People keep clear of the city when it is known that the courts are operating. “An alternative to the. foregoing suggestions is to allot a position in the Square gardens behind the taxi stand — the position previously occupied by the Salvation Army and now recommended as a position for the Brethren. A stall there would not affect tho religious gathering as it would not be occupied by the stall holders during the evenings." The transit committee recommended to the council that, as from January 1, 1935, street stalls be limited to one only per month and shall bo granted for charitable objects only, and that the present site in Broadway avenue outsido the Bank of Australasia be not altered..

Cr. Free voiced tho opinion that it 1 would be unfair to saddle one portion ! of the Square with the stalls all the time and ho would like to see further discussion in an endeavour to find a better solution to the problem. He moved that the recommendation be referred to tho next meeting of the works committee. Cr. Cameron seconded and the motion was carried. The council then proceeded to deal with an application before it from the City Band for permission to conduct a stall on December S. Cr. Brown moved that the request be granted but Cr. Cameron rose u> picad for the shopkeepers. “Surely the bandsmen have had a decent fair go and surely the shopkeepers should be given a chance at Christmas time," he said. Cr. Cameron moved as an amendment that no further stalls be granted in December except that conducted by tho Mayoress in connection with her Christmas appeal for those in distress. Cr. Tennent seconded. Cr. Hodgens thought it was too late to enforce such restrictions. Three months ago it would liavo been different. Such a suggestion was made six months or more ago but the council turned it down. The Mayor said he had been successful in getting some applications deferred till tho New Year. Cr. Free said December was kept free from stalls last year. The Mayor: Early in December we ceased granting permits. Cr. Tennent: And at less notice than in the present case. There have been street stalls in Broadway every Saturday for the last three or four months. Cr. Brown said he would alter his motion to no stalls after December 8 and Cr. Hodgens seconded. The voting for Cr. Cameron’s amendment for no stalls after the end of November was lost on tho casting vote of the Mayor and Cr. Brown’s motion carried.