DEVELOPMENT OF BEACH

Opunake Times, 2 September 1947, Page 2

DEVELOPMENT OF BEACH

EXCELLENT PROGRESS SOCIETY’S MEETING lu the absence of the chairman., Mr. P. H. Hug'hson, Mr. A. E. -McDonald presided over a meeting- of the Opunake Seaside Society held in the Borough Chambers on Thursday evening. Present: Mesdames W. H. Pope, A. Cargo, and M. Alvis and Messrs. G. C. Clouston, E. AY. Dew, S. P. Davies, A. Cargo, D. Poss, J. -T. Chapman and the secretary, Mr. H. E. Collins. The financial statement showed liabilities totalling- £1,385-10-7, wliich included £BO4-5-0 expended on the recent development work at the Camping ground and Centennial Park and the part formation of the road from the end of the tarseal to the pavilion. Further work on hand, ami including- the cost of grass seed (which had already been sown) was estimated at approximately £SO. The secretary added that a proportion-of the cost of the development work would be borne by the Centennial Park account. Immediate commitments totalled £441-15-6. Mr. McDonald stated that the work had involved the expenditure of a large sum of money but it was an excellent job and was a permanent asset to Opunake. Society Congratulated

Mr. Davies considered that the society had every reason to congratulate itself on the excellent programme carried out. He had heard many complimentary remarks voiced by residents, and felt that the foundation for the full development of the beach had been truly laid. Mr. Clouston endorsed the sentiments expressed and took the opportunity to thank Mr. McDonald for his “lion’s share” in the effort. The Financial statement was adopted. Mr. R. PI. Hughson (who arrived later in the meeting) estimated that Mr. I. Whiting had offered to conduct an Art Union, subject to the approval of the Internal Affairs Department. Appreciation of Mr. Whiting’s offer was expressed by members. The secretary was instructed to apply for the necessary approval and it was left to the president and Mr. Collins to arrange details with Mr. Whiting. It was decided to apply to the Internal Affairs Department for a grant towards the development and improvement work carried out.

“Mr. Osmond was a very active member of the works committee and bis place will be hard (o fill,” said the chairman in moving that Mr. J. Osmond’s resignation he accepted with regret and that the secretary be asked to write conveying appreciation of his work in the interests of the society.

A discussion ensued concerning the advantages of installing an oil-heater in the camp cookhouse for water heating purposes, following receipt of particulars supplied by Speedway Products Ltd., Auckland, and was generally favoured by members. The matter was left in the hands of the Works Committee with power to act. Mr. C. Kehely made application to erect a temporary washhouse at the rear of his beach cottage. Members considered that as a temporary community washhouse for. the tenants of the adjacent cottages the application merited approval.—Left to the works committee. Further Improvements Mr. A. E. McDonald in submitting the Works Committee’s report, stated that it was recommended that a bathroom be added to the conveniences at the cookhouse and a drinking fountain of the push-tap variety bq installed particularly for the benefit of young children. It was also suggested that push-taps should replace the present hot water taps to guard against unnecessary wastage. Necessary painting and repair work and the possibility of shifting the old kiosk were also considered. The works committee was given authority to proceed with the work suggested. The secretary recommended that consideration should be given to the erection of a concrete wall, 4 or 5 feet high on the seaward side of the Ngaio hedge on the camping ground from the cliff to the Centennial Park, which would act as a windbreak and prevent sand being (blown into the camping area. Mr. Collins also suggested that a retaining wall should be erected along the seaward edge of the grass patch near the Power House. This would enable the area to be fill(Continned foot of nest column)

ed, levelled and grassed and with seats and shade trees would make an ideal picnic spot. Both these projects could be undertaken immediately funds and cement became available. The suggestions were favourably received. Cottages To Co A general discussion took place regarding the clause in the lease from the Crown, which states that all shacks and cottages, must be removed from that portion of the Domain used as a camping ground, before the expiration of the lease in June, 1950. This affects G cottages. Several members were of the opinion that the three cottages in the grounds definitely interferred with the full development of the area and steps should be taken to have these removed. If was finally agreed to postpone a decision until after the Annual Meeting. Payment of accounts totalling £5lO-16-9 was confirmed.