CITY AND SEASIDE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16331, 21 January 1921, Page 6

CITY AND SEASIDE.

The sentiment in favour of amalgamating suburban areas with the city is extending to tlie seaside boroughs. It is a sentiment which should be encouraged, and we hope to see it developing into a well organised movement. It is desirable for many reasons that the City of Christchurch should take an active interest in the seaside resorts. It is not so long ago that a person who took up his residence at Sumner or New Brighton was regarded as an adventurous pioneer, setting out to explore a terra incognita- With the passing cf the years a more enlightened view has prevailed, and the seaside has achieved a. wonderful popularity as a rsidential locality. It is obvious, however, that the beaches cannot lie improved and their attractions developed to their full extent by tho unaided efforts of the local councils and voluntary organisations. A great deal of work has been accomplished, but the appointments on the beaches aro not what they would be if the city was the responsible body. The principal patrons of the beaches are city folk, who flock there in thousands, and their only contribution to beach improvement is an indirect one, paid to local tradesmen .for goods supplied. "\\ it Li amalgamation an accomplished fact the city would take a more practical financial interest in the seaside suburbs, and would make the Sumner and Brighton foreshores approximate more nearly what they ought to be.