OFFER OF VICE REGAL RESIDENCE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24979, 13 September 1946, Page 8

OFFER OF VICE REGAL RESIDENCE

MAYOR MEETS PRIME MINISTER

“There is no mystery about it The facts are that a Christchurch citizen has made a generous offer, the terms of which have already been announced, and until he knows that the offer has been accepted he very naturally does not wish to be named or to have the place identified,” said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr E. H. Andrews) when referring yesterday to the proposal to establish a Vice-Regal residence in Christchurch. Mr Andrews discussed the proposal with the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) in Wellington on Wednesday, and he said that Mr Fraser w.as not only very sympathetic, but had undertaken to have the property inspected by officers of the Works Department without delay Mr Andrews and the town clerk (Mr H. S. Feast) showed Mr Fraser photographs and plans of the property There was no need for comment or criticism on the withholding of the name of the owner and the location of the property, said Mr Andrews. That course had been taken at the owner’s own request, and he thought it oerfectly reasonable in the circumstances. As he had already told the City Council the house itself was eminentiv suitable for th? purpose and it "was situated in magnificent ground?. It had been offered to the city at a rental of Is a year ‘That is a vepr fine offer and we r.ope it will be accepted.” said Mr Andrews. “Until then we must respect the owner’s wish to remain anonymous.”