WAR MEMORIAL

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25159, 15 April 1947, Page 2

WAR MEMORIAL

COMMUNITY CENTRE PROPOSED

DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL OF SPORT

The time was now opportune to consider proposals for a war memorial for Christchurch, and to have a sports stadium as part of a community centre would be an excellent idea, said Mr J. E. Jones at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Council of Sport last evening. A movement had already been made in Auckland which had the support of the general public and the Returned Services’ Association. The least the council could do would be to advance the project. He moved that it be a recommendation to the incoming executive that it investigate the possibility of establishing a community centre as a war memorial for Christchurch. In seconding the motion Mr N. Robertson said that some years ago excellent entertainment was provided of an evening at English Park, and he thought it a pity that the park had fallen into its present state. If it were possible to have a similar park as part of a community centre it would prove admirable as a war memorial. He had had considerable experience of community centres, said Mr K. A. Muff, and did not think they would operate well in a city, as they would duplicate the activities of other bodies. In general a community centre was ideal for suburban or country districts; but for a city a “colossal edifice” would be needed. It was first necessary to create the demand for a community centre and then create the centre. The secretary (Miss D. Brown) said that people would not travel from outlying districts to attend a community centre. After further general discussion it was agreed that the council could make a move, and Mr Jones’s motion was carried. ✓