THE ESTUARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17013, 11 April 1923, Page 7

THE ESTUARY.

SAFE BAR ENTRANCE. i DEPUTATION TO HARBOUR BOARD. A deputation of residents of Sumner, Redcliffs, New Brighton, Heath cote and "Woolston, and members of the Port Christchurch League, waited on tlie Lyttelton Harbour Board today and asked that the bar at the estuary should b© made safe for small craft. Mr Vv. H. Nicholson said the deputation wished to secure a safe bar entrance at the estuary. At present the entrance was very unsafe under almost all conditions, and there was grave danger. If the board could make •some improvement, residents of Sumner and Redcliffs, as well as owners ol the mosquito fleet, would be very, grateful. A great number of people were affected. Mr H. S. Hobday, president of the Christchurch Power and Sailing Boat Club, said that there was a growing need for increased facilities for small era 1t and lie hoped the board would arrange to secure a report. Mr [,. A. Oiyiis said the power and boating olubs were faced with many difficulties but, if the bar were improved. one great handicap would bo removed. There had been many accidents. and several fine yachts had already left for other parts. The board's engineer had gone to some trouble to report on the proposal, bub bis estimate of £75,000 surprised them. Could he evolve some cheaper scheme? The cost of a quarry could b© saved, he believed. All that was asked was a protective entrance for yachts and boats, not a harbour entrance. Owners did not want to go out when a gale was raging. Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin had erected boat harbours. Would the Lvtteltcm Board afford similar help? Mr J. Storry (chairman of the board) said finance was the difficulty, because the work would not be satisfactory unless it was substantial. Mr Curtis said that the boat clubs would find the interest on the moneys expended. They expected to get help from local bodies in Sumner, New Brighton and Redcliffs. Mr A. AY. Owles said that he was suro the bar could be kept clear ab small cost. When it was improved there would be more ocean boat races and more young sailors. Mr R. S. M’Kenzie said that he had to go fifteen miles to get a safe place s for his motor-boat. It would be good business for Christchurch if the Sumner bar were improved even if it cost £-50.000. The place had not had the attention it should have. After the deputation had withdrawn the board decided to hold over discussion until a later meeting.