ORIENTAL BAY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2294, 30 October 1914, Page 6

ORIENTAL BAY

REPORT BYCITY ENGINEER MARINE PARADE SUGGESTED Oriental Bay was again a much-dis-cusscd subject at last night's meeting of tho City Council. The Finance Committco, in accordance with instructions from a previous meeting, had obtained a report from the City Engineer on tho question of reclamation, and this report was presented to tho council last evening. After reviewing previous reports and recommendations on the same subject, the City Engineer (Mr. W. H. Morton) said: —"After consideration of tho improvement of Oriental Bay from 1905 up to the present time, and after hearing all the arguments which have been made for and against the proposal, I am strongly of opinion that tho best means of improving this area of tho city will be by the construction, of a substantial concrete protective facing oi sea-wall, and filling-in to such an extent as may bo necessary , to enable a Marine Esplanade not less than 20ft. in width to be formed around tho Bay. Tho piece of land which projects beyond the remainder of the foreshoro nearly opposite Hay Street should he enclosed by a sea-wall and a bandstand erected. Scats should be placed at frequent intervals along the Esplanade, and a light hand-railing erected along the edge of the sea-wall. Concrete steps should bo provided at intervals to give access for tho publio to tho most suitable portions of tho harbour front. Tho Esplanade itself should be asphalted for its extreme width. ... In my opinion, the construction of a Marino Parade in the manner suggosted is the cheapest, most effective, and least costly in maintenance that can bo suggested, and tho work would undoubtedly ba keenly appreciated by vast numbers of the general public as well as residents of tho locality." Councillor W. H. P. Barber opened discussion on the report by moving to rescind a provious resolution of tho council reading as follows: —"That the Wellington City Council cntoT into negotiations with the Wellington Harbour Board for its consent to reclaim part of Oriental 'Bay, and that'when such consent is obtained, if the terms thereof and tho estimated cost aro satisfactory to tho council that tho necessary legislation be introduced, etc." In speaking to the motion,' Councillor Barber pointed out that tho report of tho City Engineer placed before the council that night was in favour of a marino parade supported by a strong sea-frail. This, contended Councillor Barber, was tho best method of dealing with Oriental Bay, and ho hoped that the motion previously carried would bp rescinded, and that tho recommendations of the City Engineer would bo given effect to. ■ Councillor G. Frost seconded the motion. ' The motion was debated for over an hour, but about five minutes past 11' o'clock, before a vote could bo taken, opponents of tho rescinding resolution left the chamber, notwithstanding the protests of Councillor J. Fuller, and tin discussion lapsed- for want of .a quorum.