CITY COUNCIL REACTION

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28671, 22 August 1958, Page 12

CITY COUNCIL REACTION

Project ‘Concerns Citizens’ “The National Roads Board should not. go too Tar with its investigations before consulting the City Council and getting the reaction of citizens,” said the Mayor (Mr George Manning) last night when he was questioned about the possible encroachment on Hagley Park. “The Roads Board has made out a good case for its own plan; but such use of the park will deeply concern our citizens and, as their representatives, we must study local opinion.” On July 6, 1956, when this proposal was first mooted, the Cantesbury Pilgrims’ and Early Settlers’ Association had published a resolution of outright opposition, said the president (Mr J. L. Hewland). “I am certain members’ opinion has not changed one iota,” he said. The earlier resolution said the association

“. . . strongly protests against any such encroachment on Hagley Park. This park has, by law. been reserved for ever as a public park for the recreation and enjoyment of the public and this original purpose would be defeated in either or both of the following ways:— “(1) By putting to another use a substantial area of land reserved for all time as a public park, thereby diminishing the number of playing fields available ‘‘(2) By traffic moving across the park preventing the full use of adjoining areas for recreation and enjoyment. Strong Opposition “This association is most strongly opposed to any area (however small) of Hagley Park being in any way diverted from the purpose for which the park is held. * ‘Speaking . personally, J. can not see what will be gained by the present proposal,” said Mr Hewland. “Certainly the minor intersections along Deans avenue will be avoided; but the problems at the end of Moorhouse avenue will be acutely aggravated. Traffic lights would not help, because vehicles would bank up over the Addington railway crossing.” “Personally. I think this is the only solution; although the council of my association is divided on the issue,” said the president of the Automobile Association Canterbury (Mr E. R. Casbolt). “The issue has been discussed but was not taken to a vote when it became clear that we could not agree. My own belief is that use of Blenheim road, as intended would be encouraged; that congestion on Riccarton road would be considerably relieved; and that there would be less traffic on Riccarton avenue which bisects the park. When the tunnel road is through, Moorhouse avenue will be the major route to the south.”