Opinions On Purchase

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31307, 1 March 1967, Page 8

Opinions On Purchase

Unless something very positive was done soon perhaps a change of heart in cer-

tain quarters then the acquisition by the Christchurch C it y Council of the “Mona Vale” property would “fall flat on its face and the bulldozers would have their way,” said Mr E. J. Bradshaw, chairman of the Christchurch Regional Planning Authority, yesterday. He suggested to members at yesterday’s meeting that the authorities had a certain responsibility in trying to bring about the acquisition of “Mona Vale” by the city.

As the architect of the master transport plan, the authority had an obligation to take some steps to obtain replacements for areas which

were being taken out of park lands for motorways, said Mr Bradshaw. He reported that he had recently met the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) for an indication of Government interest in using the house at “Mona Vale” as a Vice-Regal residence. Mr Holyoake had said it was most unfortunate that the application was being made at present. However, Mr Holyoake said the matter would have further consideration. In the event of agreement being reached to purchase “Mona Vale,” the authority had made preliminary investigation into the possibility of obtaining a lottery grant Mr Bradshaw said. A reply

said that the “Mona Vale” project was not one of the type for which lottery profits were made available and that it was most unlikely to receive favourable consideration.

Mr A. R. Guthrey said he thought the most disappointing response had been from the Waimairi County Council.

Public interest in “Mona Vale" had been considerable and the majority were much in favour, Mr Guthrey said. He believed the authority had a moral obligation to pursue the project Mr H. E. Denton said that as a member of a council which gave its approval for the acquisition of “Mona Vale,” he thought it should be known that at best it was only a qualified acceptance. “On our side of the table, we were 100 per cent against acquisition,” said Mr Denton. He said not one inch of the

property in question was in Christchurch. "Yet we are asked to take the lion’s share of the expense in purchasing and maintaining it.” Although people In the vicinity of “Mona Vale” were interested in acquiring it, he very much doubted the interest of residents in Sydenham, Waltham or Woolston. At the present time the City Council’s plate was “absolutely full." It had the swimming pool, the Queen Elizabeth park, and the possibility of a future Empire Games to contend with.” He doubted if the project had the support of 50 per cent of the public. The “Mona Vale” property should be acquired for posterity, said Mr G. D. Hattaway. The opportunity should not be lost. He doubted if the equal of “Mona Vale” could be found anywhere else in New Zealand.