“Mona Vale”

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31530, 18 November 1967, Page 12

“Mona Vale”

Sir, —Over a hundred years ago, my grandfather was offered the United Service block for £l2. This was not considered a low price and he was hard up, but he could have managed it. When he was an old man he used to say that in personal affairs as in civic planning, the most disastrous mistake that could be made was to -practise economy at precisely the wrong moment. Perhaps if there is a Waimairi Council in another hundred years they will have got round to this opinion. In the meantime I am prepared to double my contribution towards the “Mona Vale” fund if a hundred other subscribers will do likewise. —Yours, etc., NGAIO MARSH. November 17, 1967.

Sir,—The appeal for funds to buy “Mona Vale” will soon be closing and if the citizens of Christchurch fail to obtain this lovely property it will be a great loss to the present and future generations. Mr Oakley and his committee have worked hard. I feel we should give them as much support as possible. May I suggest that grandparents

give a certificate to their grandchildren as a Christmas present? It won’t break or wear out and as the certificate is quite impressively printed and worded, I feel very strongly that it would appeal to many children and encourage their interest in civic affairs.—Yours, etc., N. B. AITKEN. November 16, 1967.

Sir,—Overseas visitors have said that they were advised before arriving in New Zealand not to bother visiting Christchurch as there is little to see here. Because we have an attractive river setting, and beautiful botanical gardens could we be rather smug? Other visitors are taken over the hills by coach and have afternoon tea at the “Sign of the Takahe.” Another tour is round homes and gardens and historic spots. How attractive if a visit to “Mona Vale” for tea or coffee was included in that tour! A smaller New Zealand city has a beautiful old home with big grounds as a place for wedding receptions, conferences, etc. The grounds are kept beautifully by the owners, so surely the lawns round the house at “Mona Vale” could be attended to by the lessee. I believe that “Mona Vale” could almost earn its own expenses and be a wonderful asset to the city. —Yours, etc., CIVIC PRIDE. November 15, 1967.