THE TRAMWAY SHELTER.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14308, 20 March 1912, Page 8

THE TRAMWAY SHELTER.

Ono excellent result following from tho recent visit to Timaru is the fact that tho Mayor of that town reminded tho people of Christchurch that the beauty and spaciousness of Cathedral square has been marred by tho erection of the tramway shelter, and that the statue of the founder of Canterbury—the finest work of art of tho kind in tho Dominion—-has been hidden from tho public viow by tho grossly inartistic structure referred to. The Mayor of Christchurch agreed that the shelter was "an undoubted blot," but seemed to think that nothing could be done owing to the lack of unity on the part of tho people of Christchurch as to what solution should be adopted. Wo are glad to'see that Mr William Recce, as president of tho Art Society, has come forward with some proposals. It is admitted that the shelter is a convenience, and that if tho present hideous and misplaced erection is removed some other protection against tho weather must bo provided. Mr Reeco makes three suggestions. Two of theso involve removal of tho statue, to which the public have shown considerable objection. Tho third is to leave the statue where it is, and erect two semicircular shelters in the form of a pergola with Corinthian columns, these new structures to bo placed at tho sides, with a space between so as. to give an uninterrupted view of the statue from the East. This sounds a very promising proposal. No doubt it will cost money, but the bungle mado ought to be repaired, even although ft does involve expense. It would be far better to "scrap" the present shelter, or remove it to somo other site with no pretence to artistic surroundings. i So long as it remains whero it is visitors to the city will regard it as a standing monument of municipal incom-

I pctence, and a perpetual proof that the I people of Christchurch have no sense of the artistic.