NEW BRIGHTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1624, 29 April 1919, Page 8

NEW BRIGHTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

ELECTION, 1919. Electors, — In seeking your vote I admit that I have "AN AXE TO GRIND," but I maintain that in grinding my own axe, which means "boosting the Borough" by inducing permanent residents who would possibly settle in another suburb to take up their abode in New Brighton, I am benefiting every Ratepayer, every Section Holder, and, in fact, everyone connected with our Unrivalled Seaside Resort. I think you will agree with me that no one but a Land Agent with offices in Christchurch and Brighton (that is, myself) could possibly influence closer settlement, to the same degree that I can. I AM OUT to see fair play for all parts of the Borough equally. I believe that a well-thought-out advertising campaign would double our population in two years. I consider that the whole of Canterbury should subsidise any improvements we make to our chief Asset—our Unrivalled Foreshore. I am of opinion the Progress League would help, and that if our case were properly presented to the Tramway Board it could be persuaded that to give a small percentage of the takings on the Nos. 5 and W Gars would be a sound business proposition, owing to the increased resultant returns. ! A new Valuation of the Borough, owing to the ridiculous anomalies

existing, is imperative. The highest Military Medical Authorities state that for soldiers suffering from nerve or shell-shock Brighton air is ideal. Returned Soldiers are handicapped in acquiring Brighton properties

through the low mean average of existing Valuations, therefore we want a new Valuation, and Cabinet must grant it forthwith or the Government must go. A big proposition, but a feasible one, taking into account the present state of public opinion, so far as helping the returned soldiers is concerned. I believe that all by-laws should be rigidly upheld and enforced with-

ojjt fear or favour, and regardless of the cost. Alternatively, all such bylaws as cannot be enforced should be repealed. I believe that Page's Road, the main approach to New Brighton, should be maintained in perfect order, even if the Brighton Council has to beg the Heathcote County to accept a larger pro rata contribution, and I also think that a new bridge over the Avon is a pressing and urgent necessity, whatever the cost. I believe a bridge over the Estuary connecting Brighton and Redcliffs to he an absolute necessity. The Borough roads are an abomination, and badly maintained; In short, a disgrace, and a costly one at that. Inability to obtain scoria at whatever cost is the reply to all criticism. RIGHT! Let us acquire a municipal quarry at Redcliffs or elsewhere, erect jetties at Racecourse Road, and lighter the spoil in barges. A cheaper and quicker, and, above all, effectual way of overcoming what the present Council appears to consider an unsurpassable difficulty. Were space less valuable, I could write much as to how interest could be saved on your overdraft by consolidation, how your Reserves could be made more useful, and kindred matters affecting the Tjrosperity and welfare of the Borough. I shall be glad if you will vouchsafe me a vote on Wednesday; but, whether you do or not, I hope you will exercise your franchise. Yours faithfully, .15 RALPH STRINGER.