MEMORIAL TO MR G. W. FORBES

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27993, 13 June 1956, Page 8

MEMORIAL TO MR G. W. FORBES

Library Site Chosen At Lincoln College

OTHER BIG BUILDINGS CONTEMPLATED

The site of the tennis courts in front of Ivey Hall was chosen for the George W. Forbes memorial library at Lincoln College by the board of governors yesterday. The board learned with pleasure the decision of the Government to make the design of the library, a national memorial to the former Prime Minister, the subject of a national architectural competition. It will be conducted by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, and is expected to attract a large number of entries. The board made its decision after inspecting various sites. The Government Architect (Mr Gordon Wilson) and Mr V. R. J. Hean, of the Christchurch office of the Ministry of Works, had made inspections, reported the Director (Dr. M. M. Burns), and Mr Wilson favoured a site immediately in front of Ivey Hall and near the road. The other possible location was in the south-east corner by the new access road. Mr Wilson was definitely of the opinion that the former was the most satisfactory setting for the library and for the most effective use of the area which would later be built on, and it would not detract from Ivey Hall. A long discussion on sites took place on Tuesday evening between board members 'and executive members of the staff, reported the chairman (Mr W. H. Gillespie, M.P.). An indication was given that the central site—on the tennis court—was considered the most satisfactory. A conference hall under consideration could be built in various positions on the eastern space, said Dr. Burns. Ultimately a tutorial block would also replace the old back buildings. Another possibility was the placing of the conference hall on the site of the old stable block. In the future, an administrative building would have to be built, but the tutorial building was urgently needed, as the enrolments showed.

The placing of the library would set the appearance of the college for very many years, said Mr C. Hilgendorf. The big green space between the college and the Ellesmere Junction road could be made a feature. A library on the central site would spoil the view of Ivey Hall, said Mr A. Henderson, and Mr T. D. J. Holderness suggested that the building be placed in a quadrangle closer to the junction road.

Provision was to be made for the extension of the library in 20 years, said Dr. Burns, who. the board agreed, should be the college representative if three judges of the architectural designs were appointed.