ENCROACHMENTS ON HAGLEY PARK

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28016, 10 July 1956, Page 3

ENCROACHMENTS ON HAGLEY PARK

Sir. —Cheers to Bruce Campbell and others who are protesting against any move to take a portion of Hagley Park. We are betraying a sacred trust if we allow the nibbiers to get «? work. Once they start they will nibble a bit here and then a bit there, and there is no knowing where u WI C end - Unfortunately, Christchurch has many citizens who just cannot be bothered to take an interest in vital questions of the day. •uIi SS there is strong opposition the nibbiers will be in action: and then those who just could not be bothered will wake up and say, “Well, what do you know about that. Somebody’s Smelted our park!” Here’s hoping lat others will enter a strong protest against any encroachment.—Yours, etc., L. GERARD. July 9, 1956.

Sir. —l support the “hands off the park” idea. Many different individuals and bodies cast longing eyes on our park. First, bowlers got their green there, then found it too far for some of the members to walk so battled to get cars inside. Now it is “essential” that Blenheim road be continued through the park. If this is so necessary now, how is it that they did not battle for the road to approach Moorhouse avenue, say, by the widening of Lowe street (at all costs), then through the middle of the wool store at the corner, or, alternatively, press for a deviation through the saleyards after crossing the railway. It is so easy for some people to think first of mutilating our park.—Yours, etc., July 6, 1956.

Sir,—lt is to be hoped other associations will follow the example of the Pilgrims’ Association in protesting against taking any part of South Hagley Park for a road. It is quite evident the Roards Board took for granted a road through the park. This not being likely of fulfilment, they are now proposing a seven-mile high-speed road from Moorhouse avenue to Templeton. They must expect very heavy traffic in the future, when they decide on a third road so close to the others. To make sure that Hagley Park in not interfered with, I suggest all sports bodies and the general public sign Petitions supporting the Pilgrims’ Association in their protest. —Yours, etc., G.D.F. July 7, 1956.

Sir,—“Apathetic. disgraceful, infamous. lamentable, blunder,” are emotional terms used by “Grandson of a Pioneer” denoting prejudice. They are no substitute for argument against the commonsense proposal of “Needs before Creeds” and others. Their suggested extension to Blenheim road by forming a “beautiful flower and tree-lined road similar to Hiccarton avenue” would be a great improvement to Hagley Park, as weli as to Moorhouse avenue. Though they may now consider this a violation, opponents of this scheme could well ponder the lesson of history—that the heresv. blasphemy, and sedition of today is often the commonly accepted fact of tomorrow. —Yours, etc., MOTORIST SINCE 1908. -July 9, 1956.