Vice-Regal Home In Fendalton Suggested

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28224, 12 March 1957, Page 10

Vice-Regal Home In Fendalton Suggested

“Mona Vale,” the 16-acre estate of the late Mr. Tracy Gough, including “Mona Vale” itself and the “Mill House,” was discussed yesterday in official circles as a possible vice-regal residence for Christchurch.

The proposal, arising from the recent revival of this topic by the Canterbury Progress League, has such support that the Mayor ‘(Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.) may be asked to seek an opportunity for a deputation to interview the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) today while he is in Christchurch.

Asked last evening whether the finance committee of the City Council had considered the matter yesterday, the chairman (Cr. H. P. Smith) said he would raise it at the next meeting. “Personally I feel that there is no finer place in New Zealand for a vice-regal residence,’’ Cr. Smith said. "I whole-heartedly support the claim that there should be a vice-regal residence in the South Island, and that it should logically be centrally situated in Christchurch.

“ ‘Mona Vale’ is a typical piece of Christchurch, and, besides the dignity and seclusion of its spacious and lovely grounds, it has the very great advantage of being close to the city's heart.’’ When not in use as a vice-regal residence it would be eminently suitable for the entertainment of distinguished visitors and the public display of the grounds, said Mr Smith.

As the Prime Minister would be in Christchurch today, Mr Smith said, he thought it would be well worth while for representative citizens to seek an interview and bring the possible availability of “Mona Vale” to the attention of the Government.

“Mona Vale’’ is the last remaining big home property in or near Christchurch. There are 16 acres in lawns and gardens. Two miles from Cathedral square, “Mona Vale” is hidden from Fendalton road, the streets of Riccarton or the northern main trunk line, which skirts its western boundary. Junction of Stream Along the wide driveway from Fendalton road, just east of the railway line, runs the Wairarapa stream, which, just before the house is reached, is joined by the Avon river. Before the driveway to “Mill House” is reached, a weir banks up the river, a part of which flows through the wheels of the old mill. On the northern bank of the Avon river, crossed by a rustic bridge are two big grassy spaces, fronting on to Fendalton road. The main entrance to “Mona Vale” runs from “The Lodge” near the Fendalton road railway crossing. Another entrance is available through “Mill House.” From the city, the approach to “Mona Vale” is via Park terrace, Harper avenue, and Fendalton road. Fine Residence There is a two-storey brick house at “Mona Vale,” in English style of a half-century or more ago. The house has a big portico and entrance hall. The features are the massive creamstone fireplace and the mahogany staired wide staircase to the upper floor. To the south from the portico is a veranda giving access to a study. The diningroom has a panelled ceiling with scrolled bronze in the panels. Adjoining it is a reception room, and in the north is the main lounge. The dividing doors are of .bevelled plate glass. Upstairs are seven bedrooms and three, bathrooms. After being used as a private residence, “Mill House” was for some years a private maternity hospital and Mr Gough later converted it into flats for use by his business staff. The properties have ample garages. “The Lodge” on Fendalton road and the caretaker’s house inside the Irvine street gateway remain parts of the “Mona Vale” property, which is still occupied by Mrs Gough.