NOT PATRONISED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 126, 31 May 1938, Page 9

NOT PATRONISED.

DUNEDIN PROPERTY.

"VICE-REGAL RESIDENCE."

CITY COUNCIL, PROBLEM.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent)

DL~N EDIX, this day.

When members of the family of the late Sir John Roberts magnanimously gave his home, LittJebourne House, to the City Corporation, they stipulated that, failing the utilisation of this fine old Dunedin home as a vice-regal residence, it should be t&ken over by the City Council "for such other civic or public purpose as it might determine.''

That was in 1934 and during its term of office the Labour Council was not able to determine the knotty question of the occupancy of the residence and it has not been accorded vice-regal patronage during the infrequent and brief visits to Dunedin of the Governor-General, Lord Galway. In addition it has not been put to any profitable use by public organisations.

There have boen rumours since the advent of the new City Council that a syndicate intended to transform the building into a cabaret, and also that Littlebourne House was to become a rest home for indigent and aged ladies. The Mayor, however, has heard nothing about these schemes and so the rates and the cost of maintaining this property of over three acres, have been borne for nearly four years by the City

Council.

So far every suggestion has resulted in a "dead end/' and now it appears that until some particularly ingenious inspiration —and one that is practical— can be placed before the council. Littlebourne House and ite fine surroundings will be as empty as the value of the suggestions hitherto made.