Ferrymead N.Z. “Asset”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31305, 27 February 1967, Page 9

Ferrymead N.Z. “Asset”

To suggest that Ferrymead is of local interest only is as wide of the mark as it is possible to get, according to Mr F. A. Betts who was replying on behalf of the Ferrymead Park Trust to a letter to “The Press.” The letter, from M. Brown, said that the use of public funds for the acquisition of properties of only local interest seemed to be fashionable. The letter read:

“Sir, —The use of public funds for the acquisition of properties of only local interest seems to be in fashion nowadays. (1) How is the Ferrymead project likely to benefit the people of Christchurch? (2) Where is the money coming from? (3) What continuing costs in respect of repair and maintenance are expected?—-Yours, etc., M. Brown.”

Mr Betts replied:— “1. To suggest that Ferrymead is of only local interest is as wide of the mark as it is possible to get. When the whole of the 100 acre development is completed as envisaged, it will be a permanent asset to New Zealand as a whole.

“The park with its working transport system of steam trains, trams, and ‘horse and buggy’ vehicles, will eventually prove as great an asset to Christchurch as Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens, which attract thousands of visitors every year. “2. The major fund raising effort this year will be the Queen Carnival with a target of 50 candidates and £50,000. The response from the business community to date, except from the Woolston area, has been disappointing and its seems unlikely that we shall reach our target of 50 candidates. “This of course does not necessarily prejudice the attainment of the monetary target. When the result of the Carnival

campaign is known, an approach will be made for a Golden Kiwi subsidy. “3. It is anticipated that receipts from train, tram, and buggy rides, admission fees to the Museum with its many working models, and sales of souvenirs and other commodi-

i ties from the shop in the picnic I area, will more than cover annual outlay for repairs and ■ maintenance. I "4. Further Information Is > available from the Ferrymead ■ headquarters in the Exhibition ! Centre, White Hart Arcade, teie- ■ phone number 40-805.”