“Mona Vale”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31936, 13 March 1969, Page 12

“Mona Vale”

Sir,—The proposals described in “The Press” for the use of “Mona Vale” are revolting. Have those to whom we entrust the future of this city no aesthetic sense whatever? Not content with defacing Hagley Park with hideous posts, signs and arrows, but in order to conform they must alter the present, the beautiful and the relaxing in “Mona Vale” for the future, the garish—and the lucrative. This then is the deal: We swap a quiet lily pond for the ugly functionality of a children’s paddling pool, alive with screaming children, swearing mothers, plastic toys and, probably, plaster gnomes. Relaxing? No, but progress ... So we try again. A quiet lodge is converted into ye Old English Taverne, presumably allowing us “the dubious privilege of calling the barmaids Wench! One last comment People in. glasshouses shouldn’t throw dances—we must preserve “Mona Vale” as a place of peace and rest.— Yours, etc., NIALL A FINN. March 12, 1969.

Sir,—The proposals regarding the use of beautiful “Mona Vale,” as outlined in this morning’s issue of “The Press,” are, with one exception, horrifying. Surely the people who bought .this serene, sylvan property for posterity did not visualise children paddling in the lily pond and millstream, or teenagers dancing in the glasshouse and fernery? There are plenty of parks in Christchurch with swings, paddling pools and picnic areas. The

only really acceptable proposal is that of building an open air stage with seating. Why not make it permanent in the Greek style for Shakespearian, and other Elizabethan and Restoration drama. (as well as madrigals, chamber music, not forgetting, of course, the annual productions of the “Messiah” and “St Matthew Passion.”—Yours, etc., JOSELYN DARLING. March 12, 1969.

Sir, —There are, many excellent suggestions by the committee of management of “Mona Vale” for its use and development. They would have been quite attractive in 1869, but as it is 18 chains from the entrance in Fendalton Road to the residence, these present proposals, without car access, would be of little use under existing conditions. For the full public enjoyment and use of “Mona Vale,” car entrance and parking is necessary.—Yours, etc., SETH NEWELL. March 12, 1969.