ISLAND BAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8360, 21 February 1913, Page 10

ISLAND BAY

IMPROVEMENTS URGED. . QUESTION OF FINANCE. Several requests for the improvement of Island Bay, from a bather’s point of view, were made to the City Council by a large deputation of residents of the suburb last evening. Mr P. J. O’Regan said that the re quests came from 10.5 regular bathers, who desired to draw attention to the inadequate facilities for dressing, island Bay presented the best natural facilities for bathing, and especially for learners and young people desiring to swim. Every Sunday the bay was increasing in popularity, and indeed all the time, lately a boys’ shed had been erected, but this was found to be quite inadequate. They asked that the men’s shed should bo enlarged to double its present size; that it be floored with grating; and that a springboard be provided. Something should be done to reclaim land, to erect a band rotunda, and, generally, to make the bay more attractive. Mr Evans said that till recently men and boys had to dress together, which was an undesirable thing. The spot was a very safe one, and it would be a good thing if tramway traffic were diverted to Island Bay, as the line could carry many more people than at present. Ladies could not approach their lavatory without going into the road, and something should be done for the sake of the youngsters. A member of the deputation suggested that a couple of ferroconcrete pillars might be placed near the shed, and the springboard could be removed in heavy weather. The Mayor: Wo shall have Mr Morton'S rdvicc with regard to that. Councillor Puller; What you really want is an up-to-date seaside resort at Island Bay? The deputation: Yes. (Laughter.) The Mayor said that there were many other parts of the city looking for improvements. The council recently had a plan for extensive improvements at Island Bay; it was a question of finance, however, and their representations would have consideration. ESPLANADE AND WALL. Both the city engineer and the superintendent of reserves have made reports to the reserves committee of the council in connection with the proposed improvements at Island Bay, asked for by the Island Bay Electors’ Association. It was reported to the City Council by the committee Last night that the city engineer estimated the cost of construction of an esplanade with concrete sea-wall and necessary filling required to be about £2300. The cost of planting Reef street with suitable shrubs was estimated at £ls. The committee recommended that this matter - be allowed to stand over until the completion of the Oriental Bay esplanade, when the matter will be then considered. As regards the planting of the zig-zag at Clyde street, asked for by the association, the committee recommended that the request be acceded to'. The estimated cost of the work was £7. The committee’s recommendations were not dealt with last night.