OHOPE MATTERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 143, 5 April 1940, Page 5

OHOPE MATTERS

NEWLY-FORMED LEAGUE MEETS QUESTIONS UNDER DISCUSSION Questions appertaining to the future progress of Ohope occupied a meeting of the newlyformed Progress and Ratepayers' League 011 Tuesday evening last. The fact that Ohope was becoming more populated with permanent residents as time went on was the main theme under discussion and it was obvious that those present were keenly interested in the progress of the settlement and the future control of its growth. Mr A. J. Canning, who presided, said he was glad to note the operations of the County Council in improving the northern access road,, a step "which would be welcomed by all section owners in that locality. The question of obtaining a permanent and dedicated highway was discussed, it being pointed out that practically all persons affected would welcome the idea. To this end it was decided to endeavour to obtain a petition signed by 7.1 per cent., which could be presented to the Comity Council for consideration and possible action.

Money-Order Post Office, As instructed from the public meeting, the question of establishing a Money-Order Post Office was introduced, it being pointed out that the postal authorities were will ing to grant the extra amenity providing the position actually warranted it. Members were of the opinion that such an institution would be welcomed by many people during the Christmas, NeAV Year and Kastcr vacations, but that for the balance of the year there would be comparatively little call for the service. The matter was, however, held over for future investigations, and will be re-opened later. The three-acre reserve at the southern end of the beach was '.mentioned by the secretary, and it was decided to represent to the County Council that this area be put in order for use next season and that suitable trees be planted thereon. A Definite Programme. Mr W. Sullivan urged that the League do all in its power to help forward the Beach without unnecessarily bombarding the County Coun cil with requests. He considered it necessary,, in the first place, to procure a full-length map of the beach for the purpose of reviewing a com- ■ plete programme of which could be kept steadily in view and achieved bit by bit as time went on. He personally favoured a children's playing area, with the usual equipment, which children could use with perfect safety. The streams across the road were another feature of the beach which must be overcome before any true development could be said to have taken place. He felt sure in this that the League could have the full support of the County,, particularly if it was seen that the organisation was out to help itself and perform useful works. Mr Sullivan's remarks were endorsed by the Chairman and it was decided to adhere to his suggestion of procuring a map at the earliest opportunity. Speeding on Beach. "Only the other day,,'" said Mr C. H. Brebner, the County Engineer, "I noticed a car, driving at an excessive speed, shoot through a group of toddlers, one of whom fell in its endeavours to get, out of the way. It is this sort of thing that the League should be out to suppress.' Mr Cutler agreed, saying that recently he had noticed motor cyclists doing from GO to 70 miles per hour, along a crowded beach. It was simp ly madness to permit such a dangerous practise. The meeting decided to approach the Council with all urgency requesting that the speed limit on the beach be restricted to 20 m.p.h. between Bluett's Creek and the Northern point. General Items. Subscriptions for the year were fixed at ;"s per member and the secretary was instructed to take the necessary steps to start a set of books. Meetings will take place at quarterly intervals, though special meetings can be called by the secretary whenever the occasion warrants. (Continued foot previous column)

Representations from the Plunket Society to start a small sub-branch at Oliopc met with warmest approval and the secretary and Mr Brebner Averc instructed to go into the matter and finalise arrangements. Votes of thanks were carried to Mr N. V. Greagor for the use of the Hall and Councillor H. C. McCready for his interest in matters pertaining to the beach.