BEAUTIFYING THE CITY

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21088, 13 February 1934, Page 10

BEAUTIFYING THE CITY

SITE FOR A STATUE meetim; ok association A site for the city's new statue and weirs in the river Avon were among the many subjects discussed by the Christchurch Beautifying Association at its meeting last evening. Mr R. B. Owen presided. The chairman introduced the subject of a site for the city's statue of Mr James FiUGerald, saying that following such a remarkable chain of gifts as it did the offer should not be passed unnoticed by the association. When Christchurch had celebrated its jubilee gifts to the city had been conspicuous only by their absence, but since the appeal had been made the response had been generous. To the anonymous donor the association was grateful. One suggestion that might appeal to the donor was that, since nearly all of Mr FitzGerald's work had been centred in the Provincial Council Chambers—the land of which was now vested in a trust —the lawn of the buildings would be a particularly appropriate place on which to erect the statue. Unquestionably the site was the finest that could be granted. A proposal had been made that the monument should be placed on the triangle in front of the old City Hotel, but, as one city newspaper had pointed out, there was the danger that this might eventually be in the way of 1 raffle, and the statue might have to be removed as had statues in other cities. The lawn of the Provincial Council Chambers was "eminently suitable." After further discussion the meeting decided that no definite recommendation be made to those responsible for the selection of the site, but that the discussion be regarded as a suggestion. Weirs in the Avon A plea for weirs in the Avon was made by Mr 9 wen. He said that while no official reply to the association's letter had been received, it had been reported in the newspapers that the Christchurch Drainage Board had agreed to the erection of a weir below the Antigua Boatsheds as long as it conformed to the board's plans. This would cost about £lB5, and the board might just as well have said "No" outright, for the association's funds were very low. Something should be done to provide small weirs in the river, for these added to its utility and beauty. City visitors frequently remarked on the need for weirs. Some action should be taken in the early spring. The secretary 'Mr if. Tillman 1 said that it was the duty of the City Council ly give the weirs. H. would be a good idea before the estimates were framed 10 ask- the council to do this. Messrs Tillman and V. E. Egglestone ■were appointed to wait on the finance committee of The council with the request that Ihe council provide the money for the weir. Suburban and Country Beauty "A good deal of lidying-up could advantageously be done in the Christchurch suburbs and surrounding towns, and I am certain that the residents would be delighted to cooperate with us," said Mr Owen, in proposing that a conference of beautifying, asoociattons and burgesses be called, "Probably Professor Shelley could _be induced to address the gathering, while opportunity could be tarceu to present the Irving SladenCup --the association's award for the garden adding the most beauty to a citv or suburban street." It was decided that the suggested conference be called for some time in ftlarcn and that Professor Shelley be requested to address the gathering • nd ]&s th « Irving Sladeqt Cur^.