CLOSING NGATITAMA STREET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 31 July 1929, Page 2

CLOSING NGATITAMA STREET

.To tho Editor) Sir,—l nolo on reading through the last report of the Nelson City Council, that a resolution, was carried to sell that portion of Ngatilama street between Hampden-street East and Frank-lyn-street to the college governors. The motion was opposed by one Councillor .(Councillor Moynagh) and I congratulate him on the firm stand lie has taken in the matter. Furthermore I hope success will follow his protest. Now sir, my point of the argument is this: By closing the said street, the council are creating more blind ends to the already large number of thorn around this city". I for one will voice my strong protest at any public meeting against the closing of this public highway. Look at the iron-' dreds of pounds of ratepayers' money spent on the laying of service drains, concreting of creek culverts, etc., to say nothing of the cost of widening grading ftnc | metalling of this street. Jt looks as though the council ar ( . going to make a. gift of the recent- extensions to the college governors, at the ratepayers' expense. As a ratepayer I strongly protest at. the, council's attempt 10 close the said public highway, thereby depriving the writer o'f this letter (also several others whom 1 know personally, and possibly there are others) of the shortest route available to their daily work. Then again the walk around that portion of the city is most delightful during a week-end. Furthermore, imagine the disgust of a. visiting motorist making a detour from W'aimea road up Franklyu Rise suddenly to find himself facing a blind end. 1 certainly think it is high time the, ratepayers in'the vicinity awakened themselves, or it may be. 100 late. Another point sir, Are the council going to give the ratepayers a chance to enter their protest at a public meeting, that the Town Clerk gently reminded the Mayor was necessary before any selling could be done? I think this a good question for our local motor association to take up and oppose. But there again difficulties present themselves. \Yc have one of our leading councillors on that body (N.A.A.) also on the College Hoard of Governors. I hope that the closing of this street, will not be as easy a mailer as either the Council or College Governors think. 1 am etc.. RATEPAYER. Nelson, 30th Julv.