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Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1922, Page 2

Tiif. question of additional revenue from municipal reserves for the local council, brought up at a meeting of the Progress League this week, if followed up actively by the Borough Council, should result in greatly increased revenue and at the same time the peopling of many waste places which are an eyesore because of their neglected and overgrown state. There are numerous reserves for all sorts of purposes dotted all over the town, and if an investigation were made, it would be found that many of them were set apart for purposes for which they never will lie required. Now that there is a demand for building sites, and people have to g > further afield involving improved means of access, it would l»e hotter in every wav to find a useful purpose for wliut are practically fallow lands where childly noxious weeds grow apace. The suggestion put forward this week was to have the whole position investigated, and where necessary seek legislative action for the Council to deal with the matter in such a way as to give tenants a better lease and so ensure building operations. There would Me increased revenue for the Council as a result—more rent and extra rates for the better improved sections. Within the urban area there are many reserves set apart for special purposes for which they are not likely now to ho required. In that ease it might he possible to take power for a straight out sale. Investigation would reveal that the aggregate area of reserved land within the borough is very considerable, and with the demand for sections now, the Council might become an. important landlord, deriving considerable annual income for the public benefit. When the railway station was centred in the town, certain reserve sections were acquired to provide the site, and no hardship was inflicted by the land being used for more useful purposes than that for which it was set aside originally. So to-day many of the reservations for purposes not at all likely to he required, could be converted into utility sections, and so fill up the waste places. Immediately outside the town there is a very considerable area in Park Reserve, which might lie brought into profit for a reasonable outlay, and as this area is situated along Kanicri road it would ho a. suitable locality for suburban occupation wherewith a more commodious area, those in occupation might carry on market gardening or poultry farming with profit. It should be to the advantage fo the municipal funds to have (he whole matter of the reserves looked into thoroughly.

The discussion at the Progress League this week in regard to the proposed municipal loan proposals was useful in eliciting public opinion on tho subject. The objection raised on behalf of tho residents of Revel 1 Strtet, is an important matter. Apart from the fact that the locality contributes a large amount of local revenue, there is also the circumstance that it is the main street and the place where the public, mostly congregate on the long business night at the week end. The suggestion to tar-sehl the street is a good one, and would find favor, not only with tho business |*ople, but also with the public at large who greatly use the thoroughfare. The roadway is certainly in need of remaking and by tarsealing the dust nuisance would be induced to a minimum which would be of advantage to the shopkeepers, while fop those who regularly perambulate thft street pt the weekend, far.

sealing would result in a very comfortable walk. Well crowned, the street would keep itself cleaner and cleaning j operations could be carried out more . expeditiously. A suggestion has been made to provide the funds for this work, and when the proposal goes before the Council no doulit the matter will have full consideration. It is quite a reasonable and proper step to take, and if tbe work is ultimately dono it will be appreciated all round as of very useful value.