MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS— DEVONPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 203, 28 August 1935, Page 19

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS— DEVONPORT.

I read with pleasure, mingled with regret, the remarks alleged to have been passed by Councillor Hardy on the one hand and Councillors Hutchings and Aldridge on the other, having reference to' the proposed erection of municipal buildings on the old Windsor Reserve at Devonport. To my mind the opposition by Councillor Hardy will meet with the entire approbation of most of Devonport citizens. That there is a necessity for the immediate removal of the existing buildings, there can be no doubt. Their presence on perhaps one of the most beautiful reserves for its size in the southern hemisphere is a mockery to the people themselves and a poor advertisement for its many visitors. To imagine that in such uncongenial surroundings it can be expected by the citizens of Devonport that they are getting the best out of their able town clerk and his willing assistants would be stretching one's imagination to its limit. What is required is an up-to-date building replete with modern conveniences so that the municipal authorities and staff could then work under conditions similar to those enjoyed by other kindred councils. That such a building should be erected on this wonderful reserve tills me with embarrassment and despair. The proposed site is unsuitable and its erection there would be against the best interests of its citizens. Other and more suitable sites are available. The reserve with its wonderfully developed trees offer to the citizens and visitors alike a haven of rest and enjoyment throughout the summer months. I earnestly exhort my fellow citizens to raise every opposition to the devastation of the-re-serve of any of its present beauty. and trust that in its wisdom the Mayor and councillors representing the citizens in their desire for new premises will not by their action for ever lay themselves open to the ridicule of the present and coming generations for their short-sightedness in destroying that valued asset which we now have the fortune to possess. VIGILANT.