UGLY HOARDINGS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 145, 15 March 1939, Page 6

UGLY HOARDINGS

Beautifying Society’s Protest PARAPARAUM U MEETING Dominion Special Service. PARAPARUMU, March 12. At a meeting of tfie Paraparaumu Beautifying Society, attention was called to what was termed "the tremendous number of unsightly boardings in some quarters of the district.” The meeting was of opinion that very strict control should be exercised by the authorities over the issue of permits for the erection of hoardings, and it was decided to approach the county council and ask if it was not possible to have offending hoardings removed. Mr. C. R. Carerhill was re-elected secretary of the society. A special tribute was paid b.v the chairman, Mr. G. T. Clunie, to work done by Mr. Caverhill during the past year. Checking Vandalism. |

The problem of controlling irresponsible visitors who destroy trees and vegetation on the seafront was discussed, and suggestions of means to counter and control this destruction were put forward. It was finally decided to go into the question of issuing special membership badges, to entitle the holder to act as a

ranger in this special connexion. The count.? council is to be approached with a request that it invest members of the society with authority to carry out the duties they were prepared to undertake to prevent vandalism on the seafront. In answer to an inquiry as to the advisability of planting Norfolk Island pines in beach areas elose to the sea, the society’s expert adviser stated that experience had proved that these pines were not a success close to the sea on this coast. They would progress for a .while, but could not withstand the prevailing westerly and north-westerly winds, which literally stripped them bare when they put on any growth. He advised strongly against planting these pines in any exposed areas close to the seafront. Two of the most suitable trees for such spots were caprosma and pohutakawa. It was suggested that flax and toi-toi should be planted along the crest of the seafront as a means of improving the look of this crest and reducing the sand nuisance.

In the course of a letter wishing the society success in its work. Captain S. Holm stated that the Wellington Beautifying Society imped to bo able to supply a further consignment of trees from it's nursery for planting out in the Paraparaumu district. Gratification was expressed by members at the generosity of the Wellington society, which gave very material help to the Paraparaumu society last season. President Resigns.

Mr. G. T. Clunie announced his resignation from the position of president of the society as he had accepted a position with the county council, which made it impossible for him to give the necessary time to the affairs of the society. He regretted exceedingly that he was unable to complete his second term of office as president, lie said, but the society would always receive any assistance it was in his power to give. Keen regret was expressed at the loss of Mr. Clunie as head of the executive and also appreciation of the work he had done in- placing the society in its present sound position.. It was decided t o call a meeting of members for March 25 to elect a new president.