“Mona Vale”

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31504, 19 October 1967, Page 16

“Mona Vale”

Sir, —I don’t know how any nature-lover can bear the thought of bulldozers going through “Mona Vale.” Surely we must preserve those lovely full-grown trees, flowering shrubs, and lawns sloping to the edge of the stream. Many Christchurch families would like an extra place to take the children to at week-ends. People of moderate means who cannot afford tourist trips would find much pleasure in a quiet, green spot as a change from the beaches in summer. A pleasant but moderately-priced tea or coffee-room is really all that is needed in the way of amenities.—Yours, etc., KEEP IT SIMPLE. October 17, 1967.

Sir, —“Mona Vale” could pay its way in a few years. The recently disclosed development and upkeep costs are really nominal in proportion to our population. The Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, has a fine restaurant, a selfhelp snack bar, and canoes, and deck chairs for hire. All

this could be done at “Mona Vale,” using the house as a restaurant and the fernery as tea rooms. Properly lighted, it should be open at night. A shilling-in-the-slot car park could be made at the south end. In Europe entrance fees are charged for art galleries, palaces, and gardens. Copenhagen, with only five times our population, has its Tivoli Gardens, which include 20 restaurants, four theatres, and many other entertainments, and is ablaze with coloured lights and lovely sprays and fountains. Has the earning capacity of “Mona Vale” really been seriously considered?—Yours, etc., A FENDALTON SQUARE. October 16, 1967.