IMPROVEMENTS AT ORETI

Southland Times, Issue 23998, 13 December 1939, Page 12

IMPROVEMENTS AT ORETI

MEETING OF BEACH ASSOCIATION “ADVANTAGES ARE NOT REALIZED” The Invercargill City Council had purchased the wire netting and other material for keeping the reserve at Oreti Beach free from rabbits ]ust at the outbreak of war and the reserves department had previously cut the posts, stated a letter from the chairman of the Committee (Cr E. J. McLauchlan) to last night’s meeting of the Oreti Beach Association. Because of the outbreak of war the wire netting, or a large part of it, had been used in the CO 2P _ cil’s vegetable-growing project. The wire was to have been used in making rabbit proof an area at the beach. Arrangements for the employment of a trapper had been terminated at the outbreak of the war, but it was hoped to continue with the work of destroying the rabbits on a modified scale next year, Cr McLauchlan continued. “In the provision of playing facilities and the need for a long-term policy, I think the association realizes that shelter is the main necessity, and it may be possible next growing season to establish groups of shelter trees. “Hie war will mean that all possible efforts will be extended to increasing production and no great expenditure by the Reserves Committee at the beach can be expected from the council funds.” Cr McLauchlan suggested that the association and the Oreti Surf Club should consider holding a carnival to raise funds for the more urgent requirements at the beach. He suggested also that, if approached, the council might possibly agree to subsidize any money so made available for improvements.

Dr ,C. C. Anderson presided at the meeting in the absence of the president, Dr J. A. Pottinger. Dr Anderson spoke of the work done by the association in the past 12 months.

Mr F. E. R. Booth said that in the past Oreti Beach had been hiding its light under a bushel. He said that Southlanders did not recognize the wonderful asset that lay at their, back door. Caroline Bay and Waikuku beach were artificial beaches. No other centre could boast of a natural beach such as Southland’s, but Southlanders did not realize what could be done to the beach with development. IJ>r Anderson emphasized the desirability of developing and extending the advantages of the beach. These advantages were not realized, he said, and when they were, he was sure the public would give more support. . The main revenue of the association was from subscriptions, it was stated, and only a limited amount of work could be done with this money. If the activities of the association were to increase, a greater membership was highly desirable. The meeting decided to co-operate with the Oreti Surf Club to hold a carnival on the beach in February. A special committee was set up consisting of Dr J. A. Pottinger, Dr D. R. Jennings, Dr C. C. Anderson and Messrs F. E. R. Booth, J. V. Kean and J. L. Duncan. The proceeds from the carnival which the association conducts are to go towards improvements and amenities at the beach. A recommendation that the association approach the City Council with a view to formulating .a long-term plan for development, and suggesting that it is prepared to donate funds for the cost of netting and planting an area near the entrance to the beach, was carried.

Officers were elected as follows: — President, Dr J. A. Pottinger, vicepresidents, Dr D. R. Jennings and Dr C. C. Anderson; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. V. Kean, committee, Messrs W. Aitchison, F. G. Blick, F. E. B. Booth, O. Davis, T. R. Hall, A. W. Jones, A. Kingsland, B. P. Mansfield, E. J. McLauchlan, T. H. Watson; auditor, Mr T. H. Watson.