Counties Not Happy

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31236, 7 December 1966, Page 8

Counties Not Happy

County councillors who will have to vote “yes” or “no” on the “Mona Vale” proposition are not happy about it. Some say bluntly that the City Council or Riccarton Borough Council, either jointly or separately, should by the property.

The Regional Authority’s constituent councils this week received the authority’s proposals for the joint purchase of “Mona Vale.” They were on the basis outlined by the authority’s chairman (Mr E. J. Bradshaw) when he met council representatives at “Mona Vale” on November 23.

It seems unlikely that “Mona Vale” will have been discussed by all the councils until February.

The Heathcote County Council, at its November meeting, nearly decided not to support the scheme; but a decision was deferred until the authority’s proposals had been received. They will now be discussed at the council’s meeting next Thursday night. Waimairi’s meeting is also on Thursday night, and while the council may reach a decision then, it is more likely to refer “Mona Vale” to a committee for further investigation. The Paparua County Council briefly discussed “Mona Vale” at its meeting on Monday night, and passed detailed consideration to its Hornby

and Sockburn county town committees and the rural districts committee. The committees will report to the council’s next meeting early in February. One suggestion made by a councillor is that, as the City Council will be compensated for the land taken from Hagley Park for the motorway, this money could be used to buy “Mona Vale.” Private offers in excess of the £64,000 fixed for the sale of “Mona Vale” to the councils are said to have been received; but there are problems in the subdivision of the property for house building. Three house sections could be found on the drive, immediately off Fendalton road. Irvine street is the only other access to “Mona Vale,” raising legal access problems. The land could, however, be used for a multi-storey apartment building.