1974 Estimate For Institute Building

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31986, 13 May 1969, Page 18

1974 Estimate For Institute Building

The Ministry of Works has advised the board of governors of the Christchurch Technical Institute that the estimated completion date of the proposed six-storey block at the institute is August, 1974.

The board received the sketch plans of the multistorey block yesterday. In a covering letter the department said it believed that the board was thinking in terms of occupying the building in February, 1973. If this was true the board would have some hard thinking to do. For it to be occupied by February, 1973, the building would need to be completed by October. 1972.

The ministry said it was unable to do that. Tenders had yet to be called. The matter was left in the hands of the building committee which was given power to act. ... In his report, the principal of the institute (Mr D. W. Lyall) said that 19 applications were received for the position of deputy principal when applications closed on April 29. At the April meeting,’the deputy principal, Mr A. E. Laybourn, tendered his resignation to take effect from June 27. The board welcomed Mr H. E. Denton as the Christchurch City Council appointee on the board In place of Cr P. J. Skellerup who tendered his resignation because of a clash of meeting dates made it difficult for him to attend. A board member, Mr C. Russell, said that although

he did not wish to offend Mr Denton he was critical of the council’s attitude to the board. “It Is the first time for many years that 19 councillors cannot find someone from among their number to serve them on this board.” Mr R. Jones, the board’s chairman, said in welcoming Mr Denton that the board had prided itself that over many years it had direct access to the City Council. He was sure Mr Denton’s iong experience of City Council affairs would be of value to the board. Mr Denton said he did not take offence at Mr Russell’s comments. It was not the first time there had been council representation by someone who was not a councillor. “I promise that if there Is anything contentious which comes up here I shall certainly discuss it with the council.” he said. Mr Denton said he could give the time, thought and energy to his task but if the council could find someone else that was all right by him. "I’m sick and tired of sitting on ad hoc bodies where members are prominent by their absence.” he said. The board made a grant of $3OO to the students’ association to furnish and equip a room at the institute with the proviso that expenditure was approved by Mr Lyall.