CHRISTCHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 2, 3 January 1934, Page 11

CHRISTCHURCH.

"SUFFERING FROM NEGLECT." ENGLISH VISITOR'S CRITICISM. Christchurch is a city of neglected assets and opportunities, in the opinion of a much-travelled English visitor who is a fairly frequent visitor here (says the "Christchurch Star"). In an interview, he pointed out many improvements which could be'carried out, and contended that these improvements would greatly enhance the city both from the point of view of visitors and townsfolk. At present, Christchurch, he said, had the atmosphere of a hamlet, a pretty hamlet, it was true, but still a hamlet.

"Christchurch absolutely discourages the visitor or holiday-maker from having a good time," ho declared. "Sumner and New Brighton aro not as attractive as they could be for a town that calls itself progressive."

Hagley Park was another asset which the city had grossly neglected. It was nothing but a sheep run, unvisited save for a few golfers, yet Hagley Park could bo made into a first-class recreation area.

"What Christchurch should have in Hagley Park," he eaid, "is a swimming pool, public tennis courts, a sun-bathing area, a cafe, and other enticements. Today, you go into the parll and there is oniy an odd nursemaid or cyclist pottering about. lam sure those who set the park aside for the benefit of the city meant it to be used for healthy recreation, and not to be left in useless idleness.

"What visitor to Christchurch knows that there is a municipal golf course at New Brighton? Nothing is done to boom this course. It is just the same with other sports. There aro no public tennis courts, for -example, where you can pay and play by the set. Christchurch should be ashamed of itself when a town such as Timaru can boast a fine set of courts where visitors may play."

First impressions of Christchurch were anything but pleasant, on arrival at the Christchurch railway station. "This dingy old structure is little better than an up-to-date cowshed," was his description of the buildings. Ho thought that the tram service was good and convenient.

"The layout of Christchurch is all wrong, although the city prides itself on its symmetry," he said. "To have the square as the centre of the* town is a good idea, but it is most confusing to a visitor when he gets out into the suburbs. The rectangular scheme is irreparable, so I suppose Christchurch will go on wandering in rectangles, if not in circles.

"After all this criticism, I think that it is only fair to say that Christchurch is a wonderful little city, suffering from neglect. Its people are hospitahle, and, I believe, genuinely pleased to see visitors within their gates. But they are not alive to its potentialities as a really beautiful city."