SUMNER DOINGS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10175, 9 June 1911, Page 3

SUMNER DOINGS.

The, question that is now of vital interest. to Sumner residents is that of the proposed harbour at Whitewash Heacls. The "bar at Sumner is a danger to navigation, and the entrance to the river is now virtually useless, for the outlet of the river at the bar ha.s silted up at the old channel during the last few months. Hie new channel is about 250 yds further down the beach, and the bar stands practically closed. This state of affairs is likely to assist the people of Sumner in their agitation to have the harbour under Whitewash Head. They consider tho latter place by far the most suitable for the proposed harbour, and they estimate that in a few years, a harbour at that site would have paid off all the expenses incurred during the construction. Last year's consumption of coal in Sumner was over 3000 tons, and it is thought that by shipping the coal direct to a harbour at Whitewash Head about 10s per ton oould be saved, ff this is the case, there .should be little difficulty in the residents procuring their hartour at the desired site. For the past twenty years the sand on the beach has never been so low as it is at the present time. The exceptionally high tides of the last fortnight have scoured out another rift in the Western Bay, while in many places a larger beach is forming up." A beach is also forming between Shag Rock a_nd the pier, and where there was deep water a few years ago is now practically solid ground, enabling people to walk halfwav across to the New Brighton coast at low tide. During the past few months there has been a great deal of building in the vicinity of Sumner, and the people are be<!pnnin.sr to appreciate the value of the hill sites. There is every indication that the hills will become liighlv popular when properly supplied with" water. Ihe esplanade on Western Bav is progressing fairlv rapidly. The wall is now about half built, and is presenting noticeable feature fin the western side of the pier. Sc far the wall has stood tho strain of the high tides admirably. It is hoped that the wall will be finished in about five weeks' time. It is proposed to form along the wali an asphalt path from 13ft to 30ft wide. There will also bo three pairs of to the beach, the pair nearest the pier edging on lu the )>;>th. At the outer edge of the. path a row of trees will be placed, and a number of seats will be provided between the trees Cor tired visitors. Adjoining tho esplanade will bo the proposed Coronation memorial, which will take the form of a handsome build-, iug for the accommodation of bathers. At first it was hoped that funds would admit of the installation of but saltwater baths, but the financial position will necessitato the [Kjsfpouement oi this part of tho scheme for a considerable time. When the esplanade and memorial are completed, the. Western Bay, which has so long been lin eyesore to the residents, will present a. very imposing nppearance.