DOMAIN BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20450, 3 July 1928, Page 3

DOMAIN BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Ocean Beach Domain Board was held in the Council Chambers yesterday afternoon, and was attended by Mr J. H. Hancock (chairman), the Mayor (Mr W. B. Taverner), and Messrs J. B. Shacklock, E. Longworth, J. Wilson, J. S. Douglas, and B. A. Johnstone (secretary). Mr Hancock was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year without opposition, members expressing their satisfaction at the excellent manner in which he had always carried out his duties. Mr Wilson was appointed treasurer. A letter was received from the St. Clair Improvement Society stating that the City Corporation had approved of the purpose fo.- which the association had raised funds at the recent carnival —namely the building of accommodation for surf bathers at St. Clair. The council had also approved of the plans of the new building, which was to be of concrete. It bad contributed £SCO towards the erection. It was anticipated that the building would be commenced in the very near future. The site of the new pavilion would be just in front of the present surf bathing sheds, and The cost would be about £2300. Tbe writer asked if the board would contribute towards the cost of the building.—The chairman explained that the hoard would be contributing indirectly towards the cost by assisting in providing the necessary works for the frontage. _ : A letter was received from the Ladies’ Hockey Association thanking the hoard for the ground it had provided at St. Hilda.—-Noted. Mr G A- Fenwick, chairman of the St. Clair Improvement Association, wrote thanking tile board for the work it was carrying out at St. Glair. Tfie action of the treasurer in paying accounts amounting to £l2lß was approved. A letter was received from the St. Clair Life Saving Club asking if the board could see its way to supply two larger signs for erection at dangerous spots at the beach.—The chairman said he did not think the board’s activities enabled them to carry out tbe work of erection.—As a matter of fact, the danger spots were always shifting.—lt was decided to supply two portable danger hoards, the club to take the responsibility of placing thea wherever it thought fit. Tbe St. Kilda Beach Improvement Society wrote supplying two plans dealing with improvements at the St. Kilda Beach. It was proposed to erect a bathing shed at an estimated cost of £2500. The members of. the board had taken the opportunity of inspecting the locality prior to the meeting. After some discussion, in which Mr Longworth said that the work would bo carried over some nine or ten years, during which carnivals would be held annually to raise funds.—lt was decided that the chairman, the Mayor, and Messrs Wilson and Longworth act in connection with the site for the position, without disturbing the existing road or plantations or paths. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. The Chairman submitted the following report on the operations of the board for" the year ending March 31: — St. Clair Beach.—The condition of this beach has been good until the recent heavy south-west storm, which took away about three feet of sand, together with several piles and planks from the outer area of the second groin ippositc Forbury road, and as material from this front on being moved goes straight to sea it is not seen again. To prevent further scour from about this groin the men have been engaged for some days placing bundles of heavy manuka scrub attached to old tramway cable and secured by fencing wire to the piles. The board should at no distant date replace this structure with one of concrete ob heavy material to maintain the supply of sand fronting the esplanade. Attention should also be given to an extension of tbe esplanade for seven or eight chains, which would prevent sand drifting on to the roadway leading to the domain and on to the children’s playground. There is a reserve of £SOO in hand for the groin if the board so decides. The sandhill above the footpath from St. Clair has been well fenced, and should bo sccur' from traffic both from the Victoria road side and the beach. The path from St. Clair towards St. Kilda has been maintained, and quite recently covered with topping from end to end. This pathway is much appreciated by tjbe public, and most cyclists have learned to respect the notices and the by-law forbidding use of the same. Refuse Tip.—The unsightly view of the tip has been much improved, and is mostly hidden by lupine from tie public walk. Very heavy trade waste continues to fino its way here, and a good deal of house refuse, but fish waste of any description is strictly forbidden, because of the smell and the flies. The young plantation of pinus insignis opposite the defence enclosure and the girls’ hockey ground is doing very well, and should be extended some chains towards the west. Domain Boundary.—The boundary fence question between the board and the Defence Department was in the hands of Mr E. Fletcher Rrberts, civil engineer, for some time, and has nov been happily settled after many interviews between the local officers and the chairman. This difficulty has been outstanding since 1912. The board must now see that it is ratified. Through the settlement of the boundary difficulty we are now able to form a fullsize ground which is being freely used and appreciated. Marram Planting.—Marram grass planting has been carried out from St. Clair to Lawyer’s Head, and drift gullies secured by lupine scrub. Fencing.—Fencing, both new and renewals, have been done especially to protect tbe outer sandhill as marram grass, although a grand sand binder, will not stand foot traffic nor the army of small people, who are very destructive. Lawyers Head.—This district has been added to the domain during the year, and Will have attention. At present we are cutting tracks to enable pedestrians to view the very fine scenery from the top. Staff.—Tbe board has a good staff of eight men, five of whom ere permanent hands and three temporary. Mr Edwards, the foreman, who has been many years with us, continues to give good service. The clerical duties are m the capable hands of Mr R- A. Johnston. Finance.—The revenue for the year, comprising levies on contributing bodies, rents, donations, interest, and sundries, amounted to £1664 Is 3d, which, with the credit bank balance of £677 7e Hd at April 1, 1927, brought the total receipts for the year to £2321 9s 2d. The ex* penditure was £1555 11s 6d, leaving a credit balance to commence the new year of £765 17s Bd. The repc-t was adopted.