DOMAIN BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13875, 12 April 1907, Page 2

DOMAIN BOARD.

ANNUAL REPORT. Tho Ocean Beach Domain Board mot hist evening at the Town Hall. There were present— Messrs .1. H. Hancock (in (lie chair), H. Crnst, J. Arklc, F. Anderson, G. Hodges, and I. Green. Mr .T. 11. Hancock was re-elected chairman for tho ensuing year; Messrs Hodges, Anderson, and the chairman were elected to serve as ft Works Committee; and Mr Crust was elected treasurer. Payments amounting to £65 13s 6d wcro approved. v A vote, of thanks lo Ihe St. Kilda Fire Brigade for attending a fire on the Sandhills was approved, and. it was agreed to forward ;t donation of £2 2s to the brigade. The Chairman remarked that the most important work before the hoard was the fencing of the Victoria, road, The St. Kilda Couneil had removed the fence on tlio outside of the eld railway line, and was forming ft. wide footpath track from St. Kilda to St. Clair. This necessitated tho re-erection of the fence. The secretary (Mr Jacobs) was heartily thanked for his services to the board. The annual report was read by the Secretary, and was adopted. The report was ss follows: — Sinco the last annual report the most important change in the beard's "fhiirs has been foe vesting in the City of Duncdin a largo slice of tho domain (about 60 acres), including tho roadlme from tho St. Kilda Borough to the Tomahawk boundary. About half of this land has boon greatly improved by the operations of the board, and the balance will no doubt be dealt with by tho corporation. Tile roadway referred to above has received a quantity of metal, and is in a greatly improved condition since it came into the hands of the board by "The Ocean Eeaoli Domain Amendment Act, 1001." The sanitary work engaged in with a view j of ■ improving the Sandhills has been conducted satisfactorily, and the thanks of tlio beard ar c duo to Ranger Edwards and Ilia excellent state of workmen. Special attention has been given iliis'year to that portion of tli.j Sandhills nt the back of Taliuna Pail;, whereby it is to be hoped that tho sandy slope will soon be permanently fixed by c. heavy crop of marram grass. The thanks of the board are duo to the A. and P. Society for assistance in (his matter. The general work of the staff lias been chiefly maintenance during this year, making good the efforts of previous years .by fencing and planting wherever required. The good effected by tho pile groin.; continues. and the toe of the Sandhills gradually rises opposite St. Clair until only three out of seven wires are left uncovered of the fence erected there. Marram grass contributes largely to this result by holding the sand together. Tho increase of marram has been highly satisfactory, and. in addition to having ample foi its ov;n purposes, the board has supplied the Waitaki County with a couple of truck loads. Inquiries are being made from Tiuia.ru and Green Island for supplies this season, . which the board will havo no £tficulty in supplying.

Band. Stand.—The site gianted to tho St. Kilda eommittoe has been made up to a levol which will insure its being permanently dry, and is ready to receive the rotunda. Baths and Bathkceper.—Tho bathkeoper and his family coutin-ue -to keep tho hatha iu excellent ordtrr, and the exceptionally dry, warm season has brought tin-usual patronage. Many thousands of parsons have enjoyed a, dip in what they have baen pleased to deolare tho cleanest and safest baths in Australasia, Tho finances of tho board are' buoyant, and show a credit balance of £370 03 Bd.