GREATER CHRISTCHURCH.

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

GREATER CHRISTCHURCH.

SEASIDE BOROUGHS’ DESIRE. SpveycJon is not the only borough in which the desire to enter Greater Christchurch exists. In Sumner and New Brighton, for instance, incorporation in Greater Christchurch finds favour, as the following opinions wilt indicate. “Sumner belongs to Christ church,” said the Hon J. Barr. “It is one of tlie most important lungs of Christchurch, both with regard to the seaside facilities and the benefits that may bo derived from residence ou the hills. There will lie no full development of Sumner until such time as Christchurch takes it over and develops it for those for whom it exists—the people of Christchurch.” The history of the movement on the par* of North Beach residents in favour of incorporation in Greater Christchurch was sketched by Mr A. It. Blank, president of the North Beach Burgesses’ Association. Some years ago, he said, the North Beach portion of New’ Brighton presented a petition to the New Brighton Council praying for roads. Tho Burgesses’ Association interviewed the council, and it was suggested that a requisition area should be formed. This was done, and the deputation again went to the council. It was then decided that it would be better to have one comprehensive reading scheme for the whole of the North Beach. This was agreed to. There was then one thing against the work, and that was tho low valuation, but since then revaluation had altered matters. Tlie third deputation, consisting of thirty-five persons, induced the council to take a poll, the cost of which Mr Blank personally guaranteed- Time went past, and nothing was done. Only recently had a comprehensive scheme been pushed forward and the poll carried- and now there was no money, available and materials had gone uj> 100 per cent. Practically every street was built along, “And.” said Mr Blank, with emphasis, “we want to know when wc are going to get roads. I don't see when we shall get them. Private owners have metalled roads but cannot join up with the council’s roads. The Greater Christchurch scheme was pushed forward by the North Beach Burgesses’ Association some time ago. The New Brighton Council approached Parliament, and were informed that as New Brighton was not an area contiguous with the city it could not come under the Greater Christchurch scheme. However, the Avonside Burgesses’ Association is in favour of the Avon riding of tlie Heath cote County joining the city, and if that is done we shall be able to ,loin also. There is scarcely a vacant section beside a metalled road to lie bought at North Beach in close proximity to the sea. There are metalled roads at South Brighton with houses only here and there. They are not nearly so closely lined as some roads at North Beach where metal has not been put down. We hope to clear the whole" thing up by going into Greater Christchurch. We hope that the whole of New Brighton will do it, but if they will not then North Beach people are prepared to go in on their own. Ido not blame the New Brighton Borough Council for neglect of necessary work. They have done their best for us under the circumstances during the paßt few years. But they have no money to spare, and simply cannot do what is wanted. One-third of New Brighton is non-x>roducing reserve ” Subsequently Mr Blank conducted a representative of the “Star” over some of tlie North Beach roadsMany of them consist of a fairly narrow metalled strip, flanked on either side by loose sand. Mr Blank said that this made it very awkward for motor-cars to pass, and they often became stuck in the sand beside tho roads. Ho drew .special attention to Berry Street. For about seven chains the road consists of an undulating soudv stretch-—a sorry place for a: y vehicle to attempt to traverse. Further on there is metalled road. Mr Blank said that the metalled portion had been done by a syndicate, which could not obtain permission to build along the road until it was complete with concrete channels, and sidewalks, yet it lias in splendid isolation, for to reach or leave the road vehicles would have to wallow in a stretch of sand. Everywhere in North Beach desirable residences were being or had been established. Whares were giving place to homes with surprising rapidity. It was hoped to seme day complete a drive by way of Beach Road which would circle tlie whole of the residential portion of North Beach. This would undoubtedly be tremendously popular, but as things stood at present the chances of getting it done were exceedingly remote. The North Beach community did nor easily lend itself to control in civic matters from South Brighten, it being practically a separate community. The. North Beach people wore willing to pay for improvements, nod felt that they could best be secured by joining up with the city. Mr F. Kibble white, Mayor of New Brighton, said that at some later date no doubt New’ Brighton would join Greater Christchurch as Spreydon had done. The North Beach roads would be improved if money were available, but it was nob available. More community of interest between North Reach and South New Brighton would be established by the leasing of building sites on a small portion of the reserve which now separated the two residential districts. This he had suggested a year or two ago. “ I have no doubt whatever tl\at within a short time New Brighton r ill desire to come into the citv,” said Mr I). G. Sullivan. M.P. for Avon. “ Of course, as member for the district, I am naturally disinclined to identify myself with any local section of opinion regarding local matters. It is for the people of New Brighton to determine whether tho time has arrived for them to become part and parcel of Greater C' l y ohurcli. I would not advocate North Beach coming- into tlie city without South New Brighton. If North Beach were cut off from the New Brighton Borough Council’s area-, the council’s present financial difficulties would be increased by loss of revenue. The same thing applies to Wool st on. T have been urged bv a portion of Woolstou to try to get them into the city. That would, however, make it very hard for the rest of the district. The best thing is to come inns a whole.”