PLEASANT POINT TOWN BOARD

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23316, 27 September 1945, Page 3

PLEASANT POINT TOWN BOARD

Housing Shortage The monthly meeting of the Pleasant Point Town Board was presided over by Mr M. F. Maze, others present being Messrs C. Cook, S. M. Patrick, F. W. Agnew, L. C. Craythorne, J. Friel and L. Southby. The foreman’s report showed that some necessary shingling had been carried out in the township, and that noxious weeds on part of the cemetery reserve were being effectively dealt with. The matter of providing further necessary equipment was left in the hands of Mr Friel. It was decided to take steps to reduce the gorse nuisance, and to deal with similar breaches of the by-laws. It was decided to undertake repairs to the town clock. Mr Patrick stating that it was due for an overhaul. Mr Craythorne emphasised the need for keeping all fire plugs clear, and it was decided to have this work done. A donation of £1 towards hall expenses was received from the Women’s Institute, which prompted one speaker, in proposing a vote of thanks, to comment on the good work being carried on by this organisation. The report on the Domain stated that a huge tree which had outlived its usefulness was to be removed; that the damage done by wind and snow had been attended to, and that new plantings had included kowhais, flowering peaches, golden ash, mountain ash, acacia, and prunus. Thanks were accorded Miss Lynn for her valuable advice in this department. It was resolved to invite Mr J. H. Pennycook, agricultural instructor for South Canterbury schools, to cooperate with the local headmaster, Mr W. J. Bennett, in conducting a field day at the Domain in November, when the lay-out of the trees and shrubs could be described, and the purpose of the Domain explained. On the occasion of the meeting in Dunedin next month of the South Island Local Bodies’ Association, the local representative is to be Mr Friel or Mr Cook. Mr Patrick reported further on the desperate nebd in the district for housing. It was stated that several prospective residents had been unable to secure accommodation, and that a teacher recently appointed to the secondary, department, of the school had relinquished the position for the same reason. Mr Friel was appointed to interview the State Advances Corporation with a view to improving the position. Huge Slip Of the numerous slips caused by the sodden conditions of recent months, one of the largest is on the property of Mr R. Fortune, near T’leasant Point, where hundreds of cubic yards of soil have spilled over into an adjoining paddock. The slip was noticed a month or two. back when earthquake tremors w'ere reported in various parts of Canterbury. but the movement ceased until the drenching rain at the beginning of the’ week brought down the huge mass. Bridge Repairs The saleyards bridge at the junction of the Opihi and Te Ngawai Rivers has given the Levels County Council much anxious thought since it was severely damaged by the February floods. After being restored by the beginning of April, it was in use for about seven weeks when it was overtaken by another disastrous flood in May. This time hundreds of tons of stone were used in restoring the approach, and the trees and bushes removed from the island just above the bridge. The job is likely to be completed this week. At Hanging Rock, conditions have been worse. Though the bridge there was put out of commission in Febraury, it has not yet been made available for traffic, and settlers in the Rapuwai block have been inconvenienced through having to make long detours, and through the condition of their roads during the winter. It is understood that the Geraldine County Council is the body responsible for this work, but; though the piles and decking were restored, the approach is still a yawning gap, and recent floods have destroyed part of the stop-bank and uprooted some of the willows. Many settlers have expressed a hope that the post-war policy of the Public Works Department will make generous provision for the replacement of the narrow bridges that suited the gigs and spring drays of a former generation by adequate culverts and 18-foot bridges in the middle of the road, capable of taking the vehicles and implements of to-day. Young Farmers’ Club Mr James Crombie presided at the monthly meeting of the Pleasant Point Young Farmers’ Club, when the speaker for the evening was Mr H. Ward, of Timaru, who spoke on ancient laws and customs, drawing his examples from many countries and peoples. Mr J. Oliver moved a vote of thanks. Mr R. S. France gave an account of the recent meeting in Timaru of the Canterbury executive. Two new members were elected. War Memorial The sub-committee appointed by the War Memorial Committee to secure a sketch plan of the proposed extension met Mr P. W. Rule on the site adjoining the Town Hall, and discussed the proposals that had already been outlined. It is expected that at the next meeting, progress can be reported sufficient to justify the launching of the appeal. The committee was recently represented at a Hazelburn function by Messrs F. H. Friel and L. C. Craythorne, whose description of the proposed district memorial was very favourably received. Presentation In view of the impending departure of Mrs D. S. Loder for Oamaru, a gathering of her many friends was held to wish her good fortune in her new home. Mrs Roberts conducted a community sing, and she and Mrs W. Anderson gave vocal items, the accompanist being Miss S McConachie. An amusing competition arranged by Mrs Liston was won by Miss McConachie. The trainees from Stratheona gave an enjoyable play reading. Mrs W. T. Taylor and Miss Kime spoke of their association with Mrs Loder and of the valuable work she had done for the Women’s Institute. Mrs T. Herbert then asked Mrs Loder to accept a present as a token of good will from her friends in the district. In reply. Mrs Loder thanked all for their kindness. and exnressed reg’’ n / that she was leaving Point.