OCEAN BEACH DOMAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24627, 7 June 1941, Page 3

OCEAN BEACH DOMAIN

NO SERIOUS EROSION REPORT ON YEAR'S OPERATIONS The annual report of the Dunedin Ocean Beach Domain Board for the year ended March 31, states, inter alia. "The work of maintaining the foredune has received constant attention during the year. The dune continues to increase in height. Large quantities of marram grass were dug, and all bare spaces and the toes of the dune on the seaward side were planted. No serious erosion occurred during the year, this being accounted for by the very mild winter and the absence of severe southerly storms. The board decided to proceed with the extension of the esplanade at SI Clair on similar lines to the existing structure, but owing to the war, and the inability to obtain the necessary steel for reinforcing the piles, it was not possible to make a commencement with the work. The board's application to the employment branch of the Labour Department for a continuance of the special subsidy granted was approved, and a maximum of 20 men were employed during the year. These men are employed on a fulltime basis, the Government providing a subsidy of £4 12s 9d per week and the board finding the balance of 8s 9d. The cost to the board of bringing the wages of these men to the award rate amounted to £349 14s 2d. The foreman reports that much useful work was accomplished. Proposed Works The work of constructing the new golf course between St. Kilda and Lawyer's Head was completed by the City Council. This one-time lupincovered waste is now well grassed. The following works are proposed for attention during the year:— (a) Construction of a further extension of the Esplanade for a distance of 8 chains. The necessary piles will be constructed at the yard, Hancock Park. This work is dependent on supplies of steel being available.

(b) Foredune: Consolidation of the eroded portions by erecting scrub fences at the toe and facing the bank with marram grass. (c) Kettle Park: Continuing the work of forming the area at the rear of the tennis courts. Ere.ct a stone shelter on the ground. (d) Continue the beautifying of Victoria road by the formation of flower beds and planting with shrubs. (e) Plant trees on the tip area and level the completed portion. Financial The board commenced the year with a credit balance in the bank of £1430 9s Id. The statutory levy for the year amounted to £1525 17s—an increase of £ll9 12s over the previous year. Other receipts, excluding scheme 13 refunds amounted to £533 16s. This amount includes £448 3s 6d for tip charges, £4O 9s 6d for sand sales and £45 3s for rents The total amount available for the year was £3534 19s lOd. Ordinary expenditure for wages of the regular staff, materials, cartage and other sundry items amounted to £963 lis 9d. The outgoings for scheme 13 wages amounted to £4485 14s Bd. of which £349 14s 2d was borne by the board. The credit balance to carry forward to the new year is £2763 19s Bd.