FIRST STEP TAKEN

Evening Star, Issue 19798, 23 February 1928, Page 3

FIRST STEP TAKEN

IMPROVING OF ST. HILDA BEACH CARNIVAL TO BE MELD St. Kilda people arc taking a keen interest in the proposal lor the improving ami beautifying of the meal beach. The fact was fully proved last night, when a large number attendee! the second meeting in connection with the proposal held in the St. Kilda loan Hall. Ml the seating accommodation was occupied, and a number of those present were compelled to stand. the Mayor of St. Kilda (Mr 11. AA . Hall) presided. , The Chairman expressed pleasure at seeing such a largo number present, which showed that considerable interest was being taken in the undertaking oi improving the beach. The carnival at St. Clair last week had been a revelation to evervonc, and proved beyond doubt that the public was in sympathy with the idea of improving that seaside resort. At St. Kilda there was a natural beach which could be considerably improved and beautified, and it only required the citizens to take an active interest in the to have those improvements made. The need of buildings lor the convenience ol bathers had been long felt. An effort should be made to raise finance to erect those buildings and to carry out other works necessary. The Ocean Beach Domain Board had a. very limited amount of money to work with; in fact, only enough to employ men to improve the gardens around the beach. It extra funds were available it would be willing to go still further with tho work.” Tho speaker thought that some movement whereby money could be obtained should be instituted Timaru had a beautiful beach, but it had taken years to get that beach to its present state, and the people there were still holding carnivals to raise tunds lor further improvements. There was no doubt that a good beach would encourage more visitors to a city than anything else. He saw no reason why St. Kilda Beach should not be made a wonderful seaside resort. He considered that the meeting should decide to organise some carnival or similar function to raise the necessary money. He also spoke of the Life Saving Club and the great work it could perform. There should be some means of making bathing at St. Kilda safe within a certain radius. In conclusion, lie hoped that tho interest in both the Life Saving Club and the proposed improvements would grow, ami that Dunedin would not rest until both St. Clair and St. Kilda were beaches to be proud of. (Applause.) Mr E. Sineock, on behalf ol the City "Ratepayers’ Association, assured those present of the support of his association. Dunedin was one of the greatest cities, if not the greatest, in the dominion, ami there wore groat possibilities in connection with its beach improvements. He was pleased that a move had been made m the right direction. Unity was strength, and St. Kilda, could not do very much without the help of Dunedin and the surrounding suburbs, and bo was sure that that help would he forthcoming. It would bo a long pull ami a strong pull that would bo needed to carry the various works through. The people of Dunedin should come forward and help in the improving of St. Kilda. It was as much their beach as those who resided in the district. He was sure his association would be able to move, thousands of people in the city to help St. Kilda in the big project. Mr G. Stratton said that the St. Clair Improvement Society had the idea of extending the esplanade towards St. Kilda, which would bo a hig asset to both St. Clair and St. Kilda, He had no doubt that the St. Kilda people would bo successful in their efforts. The Chairman then asked if anyone had any suggestions to offer. On the motion of Me E. Quinn, seconded by Mr E. Lovall, it was decider! that a carnival ho held at St. Kilda in about three weeks’ time The following were added to the Committee elected last week:—Messrs J. W. Dove. E. Quinn, Smiley, Stratton, Fraser. Elvidgc, Bryant, D. M. Taster, Thompson, W. Strong, J. M'Cnnnell, Denton, Al.'Lean, Calhm, Pearson, Driest, Janies Adam, Whelan, Phiol, Crosby Morris, Richardson. Walsh, Lennox. Lorrimer, Sutherland, Cameron. Af'CVmnechic, .1, MLNanghty, Mcsdames Eraser, ' APCartnc-y, Robertson, Lister, Denton, APLeari. Pace, and Pearson, and Misses (loro (2). The committee was given power to further arid to its number. Mr Quinn moved that the membership of the Improvement Association bo fixed at 2s Gd. This was seconded by Mr M'Connell and carried. It was decided that tho town clerk of Dunedin he asked to take charge of the carnival funds.