TRAFFIC IN THE SQUARE

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

TRAFFIC IN THE SQUARE

SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL VIEWS OF ORGANISATIONS WANTED A special meeting to discuss traffic in Cathedral square will be held by the City Council on July 20. The council last evening decided to receive representations from interested organisations or persons, through counsel if desired, the submissions to be forwarded in writing at least seven days before the special meeting. The council’s traffic committee has discussed the Christchurch Transport Board’s over-all plan for the conversion of tram services to buses and, in particular, stopping places in Cathedral square. Other organisations, including the Cathedral Chapter and business groups in certain areas, have also expressed a desire for an opportunity to be heard before the plan is completed. The desirability in the replanning of Cathedral square to aim for the ultimate linking of Godley plot with the Cathedral is urged by the City Council’s advisory committee on civic beautification. In a letter to the council the committee said that any immediate steps should lead in that direction.

The comipittee was of the opinion that all aspects of the problems of Cathedral square—traffic, beautification, and historical associations—be considered conjointly now. With those objects in view, the committee was willing to assist in any way. Discussing traffic in the Square, the Mayor said the Licensing Authority had given serious consideration to all representations. Whether the council could have a discussion after hearing the representations was doubtful. Cr. W. P. Warner said the Transport Board should be asked to stage its model of the Square at the meeting. The trouble of the Licensing Authority had been that it had granted stopping places “here and there,” said Cr. C. D. W. L. Sheppard. The Transport Board should now be able to produce its plan for the next 100 years. The Mayor: Other plans will be submitted.