Town Hall Site

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 3

Town Hall Site

Sir.—One outstanding site in Christchurch has been consistently overlooked in the quest for a suitable position for a town hall. I have always considered this situation as the best offering. I refer to the site now disfigured by that ugly edifice known as lhe King Edward Barracks. This is truly a- dreadful building. No other city in New Zealand has to endure such an eyesore and no city can be called beautiful while such a structure rears its ugly head in its midst. I can visualise a noble building on this grand site, overlooking one of the prettiest spots in Christchurch. Thousands use this part 'n the summer time, and it would be thrilling to have a really fine building to grace that peaceful scene. I trust more than a passing thought will be given to this suggestion.—Yours, etc.. I.F.P. October 21, 1957. Sir.—lt is with great pleasure I read that the Christchurch citizens are really getting exercised over the building of a town hall. Long may this state of mind continue. I am quite sure that the far-seeing pioneers who tried to plan for most things for a large city would not mind,

either Cranmer or Latimer squares being used for this purpose as they had themselves omitted to reserve the necessary land. The City Council has now more parks than it can adequately maintain, and neither of these squares is much used by the citizens of the city. Cranmer square is the playing ground of two schools and Latimer square provides a luncheon place for half a dozen persons and a sports ground for a few teenagers after 5 o'clock. Either of these could serve a more useful purpose as a site for a town hall.—Yours, etc., ONE OF THE OLD-TIMERS. October 20, 1957.

Sir.—Christchurch should have a town hall that would be imposing from all angles—on an eminence if possible—with entrances and exits on all sides, for quick emptying—with good run through for buses to and from all suburbs, to avoid congestion, with frontage to as large an area as possible for the citizens to gather, for instance, to greet our Sovereign or other great occasion. Where else can we find a more suitable site than “The Limes”? Who knows, but that some day the Avon between the two bridges could be covered over, completing a magnificent picture. We are building for posterity, too.— Yours, etc., VISION. October 20, 1957.

Sir,—The ideal situation for a town hall. "The Limes" site, is owned by the Anglican Church. Surely this body would not refuse the city its desire for the site? The suggestion that the municipal offices must be added to the town hall seems quite unnecessary, as the present offices could be extended by using the Civic Theatre. Liverpool. England, has its town hall quite separate from its offices, so also Belfast in Ireland and many other cities. This is no new' idea. —Yours, etc.. NIL DESPERANDUM. October 21, 1957.