FLATS TAKEN FOR OFFICE

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27764, 15 September 1955, Page 14

FLATS TAKEN FOR OFFICE

Sir, —There is some merit in the ( idea of converting St. Elmo Courts' into files of motor-car numbers and oil company premises. Of course, it is nice for people to have somewhere to live, but we will soon be able to point out to visitors our magnificent “temple of the motor-car.” And if . some cynic wants to draw a contrast ‘ with the temporary buildings of the , nearby temple of learning, we might ( reasonably plead the virtue of sin- . cerity—an architectural west-end ; which honestly reflects those values which are, after all, mo?t deeply held in our democracy.—Yours, etc., G. W. TURNER. September 14, 1955.

Sir, —I am writing to you in disgust at the attitude the Government and City Council are taking to the wanton destruction that is at present going on in the residential area of St. Elmo Courts. Tenants are being turned out of their flats at a great expense and higher rents are to be paid, only to be faced with intolerable noise, dirt and dust. We have been in touch with the City Council, who tell us that it is a Government concern and the Government is a law to itself. Why is it that the Government and the company at St. Elmo Courts are allowed to flout the rules of the country while others must keep within the law? I would be pleased if some members of Parliament and the City Council would visit the premises and see for themselves what is going on and give the tenants a reassurance that further converting of these flats into offices will be stopped immediately.—Yours, etc., DISGUSTED. September 5, 1955. [The Town Clerk (Mr H. S. Feast) said yesterday ’that so far the Christchurch City Council had not received an application to convert a further floor from flats to offices.]