CONTROL OF DOMAINS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24624, 21 July 1945, Page 2

CONTROL OF DOMAINS

♦ TRANSFER TO COUNCIL FAVOURED VIEWS OF CONTRIBUTING BODIES A meeting of the Christchurch Domains Board to discuss with representatives of contributing local bodies the question of the Christchurch City Council taking over the functions pf the Christchurch Domains Board in its jurisdiction over’the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park was held yesterday. Mr M. 'E. Lyons presided. After a prolonged discussion, delegates favoured the proposal, the voting being 4 to 3. Mr Lyons said the meeting had been called to consider a proposal that the functions of the Domains Board should be taken over by the Christchurch City Council. Under the proposed arrangement several bodies outside the, district would be excused from providing to the upkeep of the domains. It was proposed by the City Council to administer the domains under the Public Reserves and Domains Act, and the only districts that would be asked to contribute would be Riccarton, a portion of Waimairi, and the Cashmere Hills section controlled by the Heathcote County Council. Waimairi View Mr H. Kitson (Waimairi) said the question had been discussed by his executive. The Domains Board had done a very good job and he doubted whether! the control could be improved upon, ff people did not avail themselves of the facilities provided it was no excuse for saying that they should not pay. The contribution from outside bodies was very small. Mr W. T. Foster (Lyttelton) said that Lyttelton residents h'ad full confidence that the City Council would still carry out the work of the Domains Board * and the public need have no anxiety. c Mr O. D. Fraser (Riccarton) opposed the proposal, and said under the new arrangement Riccarton, instead of paying £SOOO would be paying £9OOO. He * thought it very dangerous for the City 1 Council to take over control. Mr J. N. Clarke said that if the ( Christchurch City Council took over control the state of the domains would be improved 100 per cent. Mr Lyons said there was no question of the City Council playing, “ducks and drakes” with the funds. The council was of the opinion that more money should be spent, and it was prepared to spend it. Plans had been, made for improvements, but the board had never had enough money. The City Council was not unmindful of its responsibilities, and an advanced contribution had usually been made to the board to assist its finance. The object of the council was to make the parks and reserves something Canterbury could be proud of. r A vote taken showed that Paparoa, r Heathcote, Lyttelton, and the city were i in favour of the City Council taking f control, and Waimairi. Riccarton, and t Halswell against the idea. • * c