ROSLYN-KAIKORAI RATEPAYERS

Evening Star, Issue 22453, 25 September 1936, Page 6

ROSLYN-KAIKORAI RATEPAYERS

ANNUAL MEETING OF ASSOCIATION SATISFACTORY RESULTS OF EFFORTS The annual meeting of the Roslyn and Kaikorai Ratepayers’ and Householders’ Association was held last night; Mr P. L. Ritchie (president) in the chair. Before commencing the business of the meeting the Chairman referred to the death last December of Mr W. Sinclair, who was a foundation member of the association, and one who had done a great deal for the welfare of the district. The annual report stated, inter aha, that during the period _ under review steady progress iu desirable requirements had been made, and several larger essential new works had now been begun in earnest, and were progressing favourably. For this the association felt grateful to the city council for its united and personal concern for matters in and around the district. Since the last report a notable change had occurred in the transport services. The change from the electric tramways (along Highgate to Maori Hill) to Diesel-engine buses was now completed, and although as yet they had been running only three months, they promised to produce satisfactory results, both as to adaptability and reform, and wore still adhering to the old tariff of charges. Similarly, other transport systems had been tried out with success, and residents were now well supplied with cheap , and easy transport. The four major works were the playing area at the Robin Hood quarry site, the widening of the Kaikorai Valley and Tnieri roads, the new high-pressure water supply for Upper and Lower Roslyn and adjacent areas, and the general widening of Highgate to chain width. The quarry site work was gradually nearing completion, having been regraded, enlarged, and levelled, and when completed with a footpath from the Rattray street end, along with a few resting seats, this should be one of the best “resting points” in the city for sightseers and residents, while ample ground would be available tor both summer and winter sports tor the young people. With the filling-in new contemplated in the Leven street area, this district was being well catered for. The City Council accepted the association’s suggestion to requisition the use of the old quarry as a common rubbish tip for both city and suburb, and an entrance to it _ would shortly be made. The widening # of both the Kaikorai Valley and laien roads had during the year been given prominent attention, several buildings in the former having been bought and removed and filling-in had been in operation for several, months. When the remaining properties had been purchased the completion of this expensive but necessary work would be gone on with. When the tar sealing and widening to a chain width as tar as Brockville road had been carried out, this would give the highway a new appearance, satisfactory to traffic and residents alike.. The Taien road widenine was now finished, although the tootpath on the north side from Cromwell street to Helensburgh road was still to be formed. The extension, of the high-pressure water supply fpr Upper and Lower Roslyn and adjacent areas, which had now been laid from the Beta street reservoir along Highgate, included the replacing of obsolete dm pipes by 4in and 5m pipes. This should bring confidence and safety to householders in case of fire. Throughout the year satisfactory improvements in the playing area in and around Fraser s Bush and the public baths there had received steady attention, and a new footbridge had been erected over the stream in the upper portion of this bush, which would facilitate further use by residents of this walk through to the Upper Main road, which had now been reconditioned. In respect to the Kaikorai sewerage 'scheme to connect up with South Dunedin and St. Clair, the preliminary investigations were now well in hand, and progress should be announced shortly. The public baths, under the able management of Mr MUlin, continued to give entire satisfaction both to the association and residents generally. The settling of the road after the lifting of the tram rails and the laying of the new water oupply main had been satisfactory, but Highgate needed to be tar sealed. The delayed widening of this thoroughfare to a chain width was still much to be regretted. During the year complaints were received from a number of householders with reference to late morning postal deliveries. With the new Government scheme of a 40-hour week for work, a larger staff had been engaged at the Post Office, and now early postal deliveries were again on a satisfactory basis, eliminating all complaints. , . Moving the adoption or the annual report and balance sheet, the Chairman said that the year just closed had been a highly successful and notable one, both from the viewpoint of public interest and activity. He stressed the wonderful spirit of unity that existed among the members, many, of whom had been on the executive since its inception 12 years ago. He thought the district ratepayers and householders were fortunate in having such an association to voice their requirements to the authorities concerned. The monthly meetings were well attended, and the enthusiasm in serving the district was well maintained. He thanked members of the executive for their fine work and the support given him during the year, and especially the secretary (Mr A. D. Sutherland), who had, by his untiring assistance and tact, greatly aided him in tabling such an encouraging report. He also thanked the City Council and its officers for their cooperation in the association’s requests. The motion was seconded by Mr A. Ellis and carried.

The following office-bearers were elected :—President, Mr P. L. Ritchie; vice-president; Mr A. Ellis; secretary, Mr A. D. Sutherland; treasurer. Mr W. J. Bell; auditor, Mr E. Sunderland; honorary solicitor, Mr G. T. Baylee; committee—Messrs D. O’Connell, A. C. Goodlet, P. Findlay, A. J. Allen. E. Sunderland, J. Moir, J. A. Paterson, A. G Sherriff, M. Thomson, V. Avent, H. L. Thomson, and R. W. Rusbridge. Cr A. H. Allen congratulated the association on the work it was doing in the district. He was pleased to see by the annual report that the Cpuncil was attending to the association s requests satisfactorily, and he assured members that the council was trying to serve every district to the best of its ability. Regarding Highgate, Cr Allen said he was sure that in the near future this road would be put in good condition and tar scaled. Ho was sure the new transport system would continue to be a boon to residents, and he expressed the hope that it would always give satisfaction. Crs W. A. Scott and F. W. Mitchell also spoke briefly, and congratulated

the association on the work it was doing for the welfare of the district.. Cr Mitchell said that a difficulty in the widening of Highgate was the encroachment of buildings on the roadway. He assured members that the council would continue to assist the association in every possible way. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the visiting councillors for their attendance and the interest they took in the district.