DEVONPORT NEEDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18929, 29 January 1925, Page 7

DEVONPORT NEEDS.

Sir, —As a recent arrival in Devonport, I feel prompted to write a few lines with the object of urging greater activity on the part of those controlling the affairs of the borough. Devonport is, particularly during the summer months, largely patronised by Auckland citizens, and has coine to be looked upon as a favourite seaside reiiort, but its attractions arid conveniences are not, in my opinion, developed to the extent that might be reasonably expected. A great deal remains to be done in the way of improving the foreshore, particularly at Queen's Parade, and making a promenade such as one expects to find at a seaside resort. Its reserves also have been much neglected. Mount Victoria, which might with a comparatively small expenditure, become a place of beauty, seems to be utilised for the growing of noxious and other weeds, and the summit, which should be a breathing place for the residents, is reserved for various Government departments, and access denied to those who seek to climb the hill. Cheltenham Beach also might have a great deal done to it. It seems to me that improvement is wanted in the means of transit between Devonport and the city. The ferry service is wiry-good up to a point, although some of the boats take longer than is apparently necessary on the trip, but what irritates the travelling public is the want of punctuality sometimes observable in starting the steamers, and the delay in berthing, It is annoying to passengers on arrival it the city to have : to wait one or two minutes, or even longer, before they can be disembarked; many overcome this by scrambling ashore before the Steamer is moored, but ladies and elderly male passengers are not able to take advantage of this somewhat undignified mode of landing. It behoves the Devonport people through their local authorities to urge upon the Harbour Board and the Ferry Company the necessity of an improvement in the direction of floating docks, etc., which would enable a more expeditious landing of passengers to he effected. In the meantime, it would be well if both gangways were brought into use when there is anything approaching a full boat-—this is not always done. Another improvement wanted in Devonport, is in its sanitary arrangements. This i» a question in which the Department of i Public Health might well take a hand. Then again the telegraph and telephone facilities are of a somewhat primitive nature. Many towns with less than half the population of Devonport have the telegraph office open lor an hour or more in the evening, and an agitation for the same privilege here would no doubt produce a satisfactory result. Telephonic communication with the city is most unsatisfactory; it takes in many instance.') quite a long time to get the connection, while the fee which is imposed should be abolished. An improvement is promised, I understand, but steps should be taken to see that it is granted without delay. Another great want is a public library and reading room. I was astonished to find the absence of this present-day convenience, and I venture to say that no other town of the same siize in New Zealand is without such an institution. I cannot imagine what those who lead civic affairs have been thinking about to allow such a want to go unsupphed. Mjght I suggest the formation of a progress league to keep: these' and other : matters to the* fore*