VICTORIA TOWNSHIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2098, 5 June 1907, Page 2

VICTORIA TOWNSHIP.

THE PROMISED ESPLANADE.

DAMAGE BY RECENT SEAS

Mr. J. AV. Nolan waited on the lorougli Council last night on beialf of property-own ers on Waikanae md Victoria townships, and asked lie Council to take steps to protect he foreshore. They would ronieni>er that when the properties were hold the frontages went down to blio sea. There was some outcry about this. Some of the owners had started to take protective measures, but in view of the feeling they had agreed witli the Council to hand over a portion of the Council on condition that the Council would undertake to have the foreshore protected. It was obvious that the land was not given for nothing. A promise had been made to have an esplanade with a protected frontage. The Council was a standing body, and those who constituted it should carry out the promises of their predecessors. However, nothing had been done from that day to this. The last storm had worked such havoc that something must be done. The original proprietors had no power to go and do the work themselves. Even had there been no promises given, it was the duty of the Council to do something in the matter for the protection of Borough property. If the Council would not do it, then let them hand back the frontage to the holders before it was all washed away. Mr. Nolan urged that they only asked for fair play.

Cr. Pettie suggested that a committee be appointed to make an inspection and report. Cr. Sheridan preferred that the matter he threshed out whilst Mr. Nolan was present. The Mayor said that the Council regretted the damage as much as the property-owners themselves, and would have to fully discuss the matter. At the moment the time was not opportune for the discussion, hut it would come up later the same

evening. Mr. Nolan thanked the Council for his reception, and withdrew. At a later stage the matter was adjourned to the special meeting on Tuesday evening next. At a later stage the Town Clerk, in reply to a question, said the Council was under no legal obligation in the matter. Cr. Sawyer: It was a mistake to take the strip over. Cr. Whinray said he distinctly remembered a promise on the part of the Council, when the owners handed' over the frontage, to do the work. Although it was not stipulated in the deed, it should have been, and was a definite understanding. Mr. Nolan had correctly and fairly stated the position. “I say we are under a moral obligation to the public and to these people,” added the speaker. As a public resort alone the Council should do something to protect the foreshore, whether alone or in conjunction with, the Harbor Board. It was a great mistake not to have acquired an area near Greystreet fifteen years ago, when it could have been purchased at £3 per acre. It would make an excellent resort, and he had still holies of the Council acquiring it. At that time My. McKenzie, then in power, promised a subsidy of £ for £ if something were done, but the occasion Mas let slip. The speaker thought a wall would be required along the foreshore. If proper steps -were taken the Government might be in-

duced to protect their portion and assist, say, the Council and Harbor Board in conjunction with the balance of the work.

Cr. Williams thought the undertaking would prove very expensive. 1 Cr. Sawyer held that a wall of 10ft white pine piles, driven sft into

the ground, would prove efficient, and would be inexpensive. The sand would then “make.” A Councillor: The trouble is the sand has not made.

Cr. Sawyer said the trees tearing at the bank had done the damage. . The Engineer: Quite correct. Cr. Miller remarked that nothing had come of the Council’s offer in 'Ap|ri!|, 1906, to provide a £ for £ subsidy up to £l5O if the propertyowners would subscribe to a substantial work. Further discussion of a desultory nature ensued, and a committee consisting of the Mayor and Crs. Bright, Whinray, Sheridan, and Mann was appointed to go into the question with the Engineer. Probably the matter will come up at Tuesday evening’s meeting.