THE CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18202, 22 September 1922, Page 9

THE CITY COUNCIL.

GREY STATUE'S OLD SITE. ISLAND NOT TO BE FORMED. DANGER TO TRAFFIC. The City Council met last evening, the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, presiding. There were also present: Mrs. 0. E. Maguhe, Miss E. Melville, Messrs. G. Baildon, G. Knight, G. R. Hutchinson, J. Robertson, W. J. Holdsworth, F. W. Brinsden, T. Bloodworth, J. A. C. Allum, S. I. Crookes, E. Davis, G. Davis, J. B. Paterson, J. A. Warnock, M. J. Bennett and J. W. Hardley." The suggestion that an island for pedestrians should be formed where tho Sir George Grey statue formerly stood was tho subject of a report by the actingmanager of the tramways department. Tho report stated that such an island would be a disadvantage from a tramway point of view. Over 900 cars passed that point daily, and the number would increase as the service extended. The situation was unsuitable for a stopping place, as it was approximately in the centre of five cross streets. It was suggested that if an island resting place were established there it would probably become the resort of persons loitering there, on account of seats being available, and that the erection of seating or shelter would obstruct the view from vehicles crossing at the point. This would increase the risk of collision between vehicles, tramcars and pedestrians. It was recommended that the tramlines be straightened at an approximate cost of £800. The report was adopted. A request by the Northcote Borough Council for the removal of the taxi-cab stand in Quay Street, opposite the Ferry buildings, was declined on the recommen dation of tho Finance and Legal Com mittee. A report on the matter by the traffic inspector stated that the council had recently reduced the number of taxicabs on the stand to Bix. The front vehicle stood back 40ft. from the Queen Street alignment, giving a clear and ample passage to the Ferry buildings. Sufficient space between the ( cabs was. also provided to allow pedestrians to pass through should they so desire. The stand acted as a dividing line for vehicular traffic in Quay Street, consequently drivers exercised more than ordinary care in that locality. The stand had also proved to be a public utility. On the recommendation of the Works Committee the request bv the Waitemata County Council that the City Council donate a quantity of totara and kauri timber for rebuilding the bridge across the Nihotupu stream was granted. It was stipulated that only dry timber was to be used; An application by the Waitemata Council for a contribution to the cost ot repairing the Titirangi Park Road was declined on the recommendation of the Parks Committee. The superintendent of parks stated that there were no funds available to expend on the road, which, he considered, would be quite suitable for summer traffic in its present state. In regard to a proposal that the Mount Eden-Epsom Domain be included in the boundaries of the Mount Eden Borough Council, the Parks Committee recommen ded that the Borough Council be advised that the Citv Council has no objection to the boundary between the city and Mount Eden being altered to include the area referred to in the borough. The recommendation was adopted. A deputation of members of the Karangahape Road Business Society and ladies from the National Reserve waited on the council with a proposal that a ladies' rest room be established in Karangahape Road. It was suggested that as a road giving access to Myers Park would be constructed through the Nathan property between Upper Queen Street and Pitt Street, a site should be obtained there. The ladies of the National Reserve offered to furnish the room. A further request by the deputation was that the council should arrange to have a constable stationed for "points" duty at the intersection of Upper Queen Street and Karangahape Road. The matter of tho rest room was referred to the Works Committee, and the request for a constable for "points" duty to the Finance and Legal Committee.