Improving Conditions At Foxton Beach

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 54, 6 March 1935, Page 4

Improving Conditions At Foxton Beach

t • MEETING AT PALMERSTON NORTH i At a meeting of the.eommitteo of tlie Ifoxton Beach Improvement Society :ield at Palmerston North yesterday, the decision to take the initiative in sailing a conference to press for the resonditioning of the Beach road—giving recess to the waterfront —was made, .vhile serious consideration was. also liven to tho question of improving the mtrance to the route to the ocean beach from the river flats. Mr. M. E. Perreau (Mayor of Foxton) presided, others . present being Messrs G. W. Watchorn, W. G. Short, J. A. Giant, W. A, Boniface, \V, Ingram, O. C.oles, N. Alsop, A. Alsop, W. Barling, Captain Nelson and Mr. A. D. Macphcrson (lion, secretary). Apologies for absence were received from A. E. Hansel, J. L. C. Merton and J. Dalzcll. Advice was received from the Manawatu County Council that, although it was in sympathy with the request for the sealing of the Beach road, it could not see its way to lind money for the work at the present time. The matter of attending a conference as suggested by the society had been left in tho hands of tho county chairman (Mr. AV. E. Barbor). The chairman df tho meeting (Mr. M. E. Perreau) reported that a conference consisting of representatives of the Manawatu Automobile Association, tho Manawatu County Council, and the Foxton Harbour Board had been mooted to arrange a deputation to wait on the Main Highways Board with tho object of securing financial assistance for the reconditioning of a short stretch of road which was extensively used. The matter had been continually deferred for a number of years, and some action must be taken. The date for the proposed conference was fixed as March 25, at Palmerston North, Messrs G. AV. AVatchorn, AV. Ingram, N. Alsop, M. E. Perreau and any others who could conveniently attend, to bo the society's delegates. Dealing with the matter of giving better access lo the ocean beach through the present sandy gap, the chairman said it had been suggested that relief labour be provided by the Manawatu Couuty Council for the work, the sand to be excavated and the cut to be bound with clay. The Harbour Board had given its consent to the removal of the latter from a point near its jetty. Thu Harbour Board would be prepared to spend a certain amount of money, he thought, and the Foxton Borough Council would provide the overseer and some equipment. There would be no charge for tho clay, but the cost of cartage was estimated at £56.

The' work, it was stated, if carried out as proposed, would occupy 20 or 30 men for three weeks in providing an 18ft. wide road with the necessary' fascining.

Mr. AV. G. Short said that most of tho society's funds, now amounting to £B4, had been subscribed by campers, who were entitled to first consideration, and a proper water supply was one of the most urgent facilities required. The opinion was expressed by Mr. J. A. Grant that the Harbour Board, which was collecting revenue from tho cottages, should make a substantial contribution towards the cost, but tho chairman pointed out that it had given the society the right for three years to collect fees from the camp site. It was decided that a deputation wait on the Harbour 'Board at tho latter’s next meeting to offer a contribution of £25 towards the cost involved, and to negotiate with the object of arriving at a suitable financial arrangement. General Matters. The chairman reported that arrangements iiad been made for drums to be supplied as receptacles for rubbish, broken glass, etc. There had been no increase in the camp fees. Recently, on account of the number of fires at the beach, it was decided to form a volunteer fire brigade. Property owners had taken a keen interest in organising this protection from fires along tho waterfront. The brigade >vas already equipped with buckets and shovels. Appreciation w'as expressed, on tho motion of Mr. Watchorn, of tho activities of the local committee in this connection. It was reported that a fire bell had been donated by the Foxton Fire Brigade and erected in a very suitable position. Residents now had a greater sepse of security in the event of a conflagration occurring. It was decided to convene a meeting to form a boating club, with tho object wf popularising this form of activity,

for whjch tho harbour was^ eminently suitable. It was suggested that a portion of tho foreshore bo set aside for boating sheds. This is to bo discussed when the meeting is held. Steps arqjjeing taken to deal with vandalism, it being stated that irresponsible persons had committed considerable mischief and wanton damage. Recently a shot was fired through the bottom of a w T ater tank. Tho Foxton Harbour Board wrote intimating that the pilot had already been invested with authority to control all traffic on the board's endowment. It was resolved to take drastic action to check speeding by motorists, which constituted a danger on the beach. It was stated that an important requirement on the beach at present was a modern accommodation house to provide for visitors from a distance who did not bring camping equipment. The beach was w r qll sheltered, had many attractions, and was one of tho best in tho North Island, requiring only a few facilities to put it right in the forefront of such resorts. A vote of thanks was passed to the Manawatu Automobile Association and its service officer (Mr. Crichton), also the Foxton Life-Saving Club, for their assistance in popularising the beach.