LIGHTING THE SEASIDE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2824, 16 December 1924, Page 2

LIGHTING THE SEASIDE.

HARBOUR BOARD APPEALS TO COUNTY. Te Wharangi, or the Foxton seasid resort, is a Harbour Board endowment. It is a growing and pular settlement and attracts visitors from all parts of the district by reason of its ideal suif-bathing facilities and the broad expanse of water for. boating and fishing at the river mouth. A voluntary bodv, tailed the Beach Improvement Committee, has done much to make the seaside attractive by tree planting and providing a hall and m many other ways improving the environment and adding to the pleasure ofvisitors. The Board lias subsidised the committee’s voluntary efforts and has also formed roads, giving access to residences. The roads, however, are not metalled and it is hoped this vital matter will be attended to by the Board as fluids permit. The committee’s agitation luis been successful in having the electric light taken to the seaside and most of the houses will be connected up for Christmas. The Manawatu County Council controls the main road leading to the Beach and the householders pay the County 12/6 per year for maintenance. The Beach Improvement Committee at yesterday’s meeting of the Foxton Harbour Board, made application for a street lighting system there. It was pointed out by Mr E. R. B. Holben that at the outset it had been proposed to erect only one street lamp at the beach and he considered this somewhat unfair. The charge of £3 per year was not excessive, and the speaker thought that three further lights could well be installed. The Manawatu County Council would'have to be approached in the matter as the area'was under its jurisdiction. Air Holben also considered that the full amount for the lights should not he charged. Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., agreed that further lights were highly desirable, and stressed the added inducement they ivould provide for summer beach dwellers, who desired the pleasure of the evening on the beach, as well as during the day. He ihoved that three further lights be installed. A general discussion followed in which it was explained that-the Manawatu County Council had already agreed to erect one light, hut this was not considered sufficient. The chief complaint was the amount of 12/6 per annum which the beach section lessees were paying to the County Council for the maintenance of the road. In spite of the large increase of lessees the annual payment had not been reduced and this was considered to be sufficient inducement for the council to meet the hoard with the cost of the installation of the light.

Air Nash’s resolution was carried and it was further decided to authorise the preparation of a report upon the whole matter, with a view to receiving some consideration from the council. The Horowhenua Power Board notified that the contract had been left for the wiring of houses at the Manawatu Heads, and it was expected to complete the work before the Christmas holidays. The Board’s installation would cost £l4 1/4.