THE ART GALLERY SITE.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19310, 15 May 1928, Page 11

THE ART GALLERY SITE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —A noble gift has been made to < the people of Christcliurch by Mr Mcl>ougall. It is now proposed, to place that gift in a useless corner behind the Museum where a large number of flowering shrubs and trees' must be sacrificed, but still it' will be overshadowed by the buildings of Christ's College, besides the -Museum. I" cannot but think "that the light.-of the Gallery' will be affected by its surroundings. Besides the damp will certainly affect the valuable paintings that some day, \j - e hope, will fill the Gallery. Again, what steps will be I taken for the proper supervision and protection of the Gallery at night? It will be practically unseen from Rolleston. avenue, but easily reached from any part of the Domain behind. Is the City Council prepared to provide a 'resident' caretaker, for that would -be the only adequate safeguard ? If the lawn site were available, the proximity of the Curator's house would ensuro some protection. I fully agree with your correspondent who protests against undue haste in this matter of a, site. In view of such a gift, would not the people of Christcliurch gladly see it placed in Victoria square near where" the band rotunda stands—even that might not ■ have to lie removed ? In days to come, when I hope the Citv Hall will'stand on the opposite bank of the river, what a noble group of buildings might be formed! No other "p'ace is so central, so easily controlled, or where a beautiful building would show to such advantage, with the open spaces on all sides.—Yours, etc.. MARGARET 0. STOMXART. Christcliurch, May 14th.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —I think like many others that this most important question - should not be settled in a hurry. "Wo do not have many such magnificent gifts as that of Mr McDougaJl, so why all this hurry to place it behind the Museum? I would like to see the Council make a bold bid for the best sito* in Christchurch—one that would- be cherished by all now and for evermore. I am referring to that block of land occupied by flats and shops extending from "The Limes" to Colombo street, including the closing of the public road in front of same. Think what a fine site that would make for the Art Gallery and the future Town Hall. A better setting - could not be found in any other city in New Zealand. Look what a beautiful setting this would make with the Victoria square in the foreground, then the river spanned by a wide ornamental foot bridge with its lamps, etc., then the terrace with ite ornamental trees and shrubs with spacious lawns in front of the buildings. The terrace, if treated m this way, would be in keeping with the old Provincial Chambers and the Law Courts. The best is not too good for our Garden City. I should like to suggest to the Jubilee Committee that if they could secure this site it woyld be the greatest honour they could bestow upon the worthy pioneers. It not suggesting too much, they could erect the bridge in remembrance of the old pioneers. If this site were secured it would serve a fourfold nurpose-a site for the Art Gallery, for the future Town Hall, the Jubilee Memorial, and the Cenotaph. If this meete with the approval of the Council ana committees I would be pleased to donate necessary plans of grounds. Yours, etc " . • A W. BUXTON, j Christchurch, May 14th.