CIVIC EYESORES.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18673, 23 April 1926, Page 8

CIVIC EYESORES.

"CURSE OF HOARDINGS." MR HURST SEAGER»S CONDEMNATION. Gothic architecture in its highest expression in "Westminster Abbey and in Amiens Cathedral was shown during Mr S. Hurst Seagers lecture last eveninc by means of lantern slides. A dramatic change came whon the operator suddenly switched on to —hoardings. The first of these slides depictod a hideous array of bill boards in a Loudon suburb. "That is what wo shall come to in our beautiful city of Christchurch," said Mr Hurst Seager, "if we do not take the proper steps. It is perfect nonsense to talk of them as people's picture galleries. I am sorry to see that some of our City Councillors are in favour of hoardings, and wo must support the Mayor in his campaign for their abolition."

He said that in countries where they had been removed, the result was wonderful.

The operator showed slides depicting landscapes and streets in New Zealand towns, disfigured by hoardings, aud glimpses of roads in Southern Europe, where advertising signs marred the scenery for miles. : 'Theso roads have been destroyed by the selfishness of certain individuals," said Mr Hurst Seager, "and if we are not watchful, for the sake of filthy lucre our most beautiful assets will be taken from us. Mr Edgar Stead has merely made vocal the feelings of all of us." (Applause.) He said it was foolish to contend that the newspapers were serving their own ends by their advocacy of the abolition of hoardings. Their unanimity on the point was remarkable. Municipalities had disfigured public services, such as baths, by painting largo signs on them. "We have allowed this octopus to sink its tentacles in all directions," he said, "although, under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1913, councils have the power to control advertisements. This legislation gave them complete jurisdiction over everything which can be seen from a public highway. Councils have not been sufficiently careful to see that their powers have been carried out." Local Illustrations. "Pictures of business premises, picture theatres, and motor garages in Christchurch were then flashed on to the screen. The signs on some of the buildings met with Mr Hurst Seagor's approval, but others, particularly motion picture advertisements, he strongly condemned. "Why should motor garages have the names of the owners painted on them in letters that are yards high, when the greatest distance from which they can be seen is about 66 feet?" he asked. Speaking of Cathedral square, he said that it had been ruined beyond repair. Almost every week one had to suffer some new sign, with lettering two or three feet high. Some misguided person had placed such an eyesore in proximity to his office. Perhaps in time they would be able to evolve a civic square which would meet with the approval of all. Mr R. A. Galbraith, City Engineer, said that Christchurch was exceedingly beautiful, and had a varied chaim, but a watchful eye would have to be kept on the curse of hoardings and the trend of the speculator. Unless these were watched, they would have blotches on their scenic beauties.