CHRISTCHURCH PLANNING

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25272, 26 August 1947, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH PLANNING

“LACK OF PROGRESS FOR 25 YEARS” CRITICISM BY ARCHITECTS’ INSTITUTE The Canterbury branch of the New Zeeland Institute of Architects is concerned with what it terms “the of progress in Christchurch during the last 25 years.” “We view this in the light of the wonderful heritage and golden opportunities left us by the pioneers of Canterbury,” says a statement issued by the branch. “The pioneers made plans and executed them, havinggreat foresight for the future of Canterbury, even to the consideration of a canal reserve for a port at Christchurch, and th? construction of the Lyttelton tunnel. Parks, squares, avenues, trees, and reserves were all laid out by our pioneers. “We in Christchurch seem to form committees, make plans, and there it ends for lack of funds, or a driving initiative to put these plans into being Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, but. on the eve of our centennial celebrations, we have as yet no Town Hall or -railway station worthy of the names. “The answer will be as usual—lack of funds, the First War or the Second War. and now it is the labour and materials question. How is it that other cities and towns, large or small, have managed to secure these amenities?” City Leaders “Complacent” There seemed to be complacency in the minds of the city leaders, who allowed things to drift on and on. the statement added. Early photographs of Christchurch showed that little major progress had been made during the last 25 years, and in many cases 50 years. The approach to the city from the railway station, from New Brighton and from Sumner, had not improved, but had deteriorated. There .were ugly bill-poster boards at corners and intersections and on buildings, trams, and buses. The number of overhead wires and poles increased, there were obsolete street verandas, and poor city conveniences.

“When tourists visit Christchurch cur city leaders boast of our beautiful city, our River Avon with its green banks and willows, our Botanic Gardens parks, avenues of trees. Latimer, Cranmer. and Victoria squares, Cathedral square, and our fine cathedrals ” the statement continues, “but not one of those did thev create, nor are they creating anything to equal or surpass the work of our forefathers.

"We have but to compare Caroline Bay, Timaru. for a town of approximately 20.000. with the beaches at Sumner and New Brighton for a city of approximately 150.000. or Io compare Dunedin’s approach to the city from its imposing railway station for a city of approximately 80.000. as against our aporoach and station. As architects we implore our city leaders to look well into the future, and to act now to make a greater and more beautiful city.”