FLORAL CLOCK ACCEPTED

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27073, 23 June 1953, Page 3

FLORAL CLOCK ACCEPTED

DEBATE ON TWO SITES

SCOTT STATUE AND VICTORIA SQUARE

Accepting the offer of a floral clodk by the Christchurch Beautifying Society, the City Council last evening referred back to the reserves committee a recommendation that the clock be placed on the small plot now occupied by a “duck pond” behind the Scott statue. The floral clock was made available through the generosity of the Calder Mackay Company, Ltd. The Director of estimates that the cost of the floral decorations will be about £5OO annually.

The Beautifying Society proposes to organise a public appeal to cover the cost of the installation, the total of which will not be known until more information comes to hand. Cr. M. B. Howard, M.P.,'said one site suggested was the “duck pond” behind the Scott statue. The Victoria square site, opposite the Salvation Army Citadel was drier. The compartment underneath some floral clocks was of considerable size and the Victoria square site had a natural site facing a fountain. The pond site was favoured outside the committee. There had been a development since the committee decided to recommend the Victoria square site as the Calder Mackay Company had offered to pay for the cost of the pond site. If the water problem was not too great, the clock would be placed there. Cr. T. H. McCombs said he felt that the clock would be shown to better advantage in Victoria square and he was supported by Cr. L. G. Amos, who said the site was on the main entrance to the city from the airport. The clock had to be on a wide, open space to be seen at its best. Cr. J. Mathison. M.P., also expressed the same view.

Cr. C. Baldwin said more people would see the clock at the Scott statue. The council might as well place it at Harewood as at Victoria square. Cr. L. Christie said the mound at the Scott statue would have to be built up so much that the beauty of the spot would be spoiled. The Victoria street site was also favoured by Cr. W. P. Glue, who said the traffic at the Clarendon Hotel corner would be a problem. The Scott statue site was favoured by Cr* J. E. Tait, who said the wishes of the givers of the clock and the more favourable site should weigh with the council.

“If the council is going to object to the committee’s recommendation, the matter should be further investigated,” said the Mayor when Cr. C. D. W. L. Sheppard proposed a further amendment that the matter be referred back to the reserves committee.

The voting was 8-8 on this amendment, which was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor. I