CIVIC CENTRE

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25737, 24 February 1949, Page 2

CIVIC CENTRE

Sir, —I heartily agree with “Citizen” that if we are to spend half a million on a civic centre the outstanding site is the one he suggests. I also feel that if we have any pride in our city and are determined to build something worthwhile we should all be prepared to put our hands in our pockets and get the Mayor to open a public subscription list immediately. Doubtless there would be a moan from a section, but as a rule the moaners are not the givers anyway. I am satisfied that a lot of money would be forthcoming from individuals and firms. Let’s get cracking on this before our council decides to take over the poorest site imaginable. —Yours, etc.. ANOTHER CITIZEN. February 23, 1949. Sir, —Our city fathers have now put the matter of a civic centre and town hall in the spotlight, but in a manner arbitrary in the extreme. The ratepayer is told, “Here is the one and only scheme, and all you have tn do is to o.k. it or no civic centre or town hall!” The citizens surely have a perfect right to a choice. There are other schemes ready for the city's decision, some without expensive expropriation of private property. Let us assess the merits of these, too. If in the last result the. council’s plan is the favourite, it only remains—but not till then—for the ratepayer to say he will pay the piper. This question may be the vital factor in the next council election. We want to have a say.—Yours, etc., TAXPAYER. February 23, 4949.