HELMORE’S LANE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17218, 8 December 1923, Page 8

HELMORE’S LANE.

QUESTION OF WIDENING ROADWAY. The widening of Helmore’s Lane and the question of the preservation of trees and shrubs which arc situated on the land set aside for street purposes was the subject of a discussion between representatives of the Waimairi County Council, the Beautifying Association and others interested at the site last evening. There was quite a large muster and an informal talk on the subject was carried on for some time. Mr R- W. Hawke, chairman of the Waimairi County Council, explained tc those present that the council intended to keep the street line as at present, putting an asphalt footpath and concrete kerbing. With regard to the extra land given ior widening it was their intention to make a winding track through it, on the south side, saving as many of the shrubs as possible. Mr Hawke was asked if the holly hedge which fronts part of the property were taken down what kind of fence would bo re-erected on the proper boundary. Mr Hawke said the council would leave this entirely to the owners. Mr R. B. Owen said it was generally supposed that if a jierson retained possession it gave him the right to the land, but in law this was not so. With regard to the portion of tha property near the river Mr said that the Beautifying Association made the proposition that the owners should have thirty square feet for an entrance, and they were prepared not to put up a fence if they retained this. In reply to a question regarding the existence of a towpatb on the river bank Mr Cowper. clerk to the Waimairi County Council, said that a path did exist, but in 1860 Mr Helmore got possession in exchange for Helmore’s Road.

Discussing the question of the fence Mr Hawke said he realised that there would have to be one dividing private property from the public. At the same time he thought the public should have the benefit of seeing the shrubs- He was not in favour of keeping the holly fence and secluding the view. Dr Cf Chilton: It won’t if it is cut down a few r feet.

Mr Hawke suggested there was no .reason why the fence should not be a stone kerbing about a foot high. Mr Owen asked who was going to put it up. Mr Hawke suggested the Beautifying Society might undertake the work. Mr Heathcote Helmore said that if the holly fence was left about four feet high they were quite prepared to accept that, but if it was cut dowq they would have to put up a substantial fence on the proper boundary and he thought Mrs Helmore, his mother, would decide in favour of a paling fence. After discussion the representatives of the Beautifying Association «eed to the fence being cut down to ee feet, instead of four feet, which y had previously fixed as a lpnit. The matter has yet to be discussed and finally decided by the County Council.