ORIENTAL BAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5914, 1 June 1906, Page 7

ORIENTAL BAY

THE RECLAMATION MATTER SHELVED. A DEPUTATION. “But is the Council sincere regarding Oriental Bay ?” asked Councillor Izard when the subject of the reclamation of the Bay was brought up at last night’s meeting of the City Council. “I do not know whether it is sincere,” said his Worship, “but it is energetic enough.” (Laughter). To get this very debatable matter over as soon as possible it was proposed that in considering the Legislation Committee’s recommendations regarding the new Empowering Bill that the “Oriental Bay” clause bo taken first. The report stated —“The committee have to report that they were not unanimous on this matter, and suggest that the Council should decide whether or not this clause is to remain in the bill.” Councillor Godbcr. as chairman of the Legislation Committee, moved that all reference to reclamation at Oriental Bay be deleted from the bill. What iio thought should bo done was to expend a sura of about £SOOO to make a good esplanade—a 100ft-' street—that would bo for the benefit of the city for all time. Councillor Carmichael pointed out that every reclamation in Wellington had been opposed by someone, and was there anyone who would like to rescind any of those works now? The bill was only permissive, and only gave power for the work to be done at some future time. It would bo found in time that the shipping would bo forced to the Oriental Bay side, and they would want to erect sheds and other objectionable features, whereas if the work* proposed was done they could only erect such structures outside the line of reclamation Councillor Cohen pointed out that shipping could never lie in Oriental Bay on account of the prevailing wind being from the north-west. No councillor ever intended that this reclamation was to bo carried out—all they imagined was that a 100 ft street tyas to be made. : Councillor Smith supported the motion to delete. The motion was carried Councillor Carmichael’s being the only dissenting voice. A deputation of Oriental Bay residents, with Mr H. B. Bridge as spokesman, then urged that the Council _ continue the marine parade—which had stopped short at the baths —round Oriental Bay. Ho thought it was a scandal that a city with so fine a harbour front should be without an attractive marine parade. They could not call the Thorndon Esplanade an attractive marine parade—(Oh!)—and then it was so entirely at one end of the city, whilst Oriental Bay was easy of access from all parts, and was used by hundreds oft people on fine days and holidays. He road a report of the Finance Committee, which set aside £20,000 for a retaining wall and another for reclamation purposes. They did not ask for that sum, but only some £SOOO for the improvement of the road and protecting it from the sea. The Mayor said the matter would receive attention in due course.