“Negation of democracy”

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33064, 3 November 1972, Page 8

“Negation of democracy”

Sir,—l agree with Mr J. M. Hargreaves, outgoing president of the Chamber of Commerce, that “the erection of large public buildings and their siting is likely to become a major issue in the next decade.” (“The Press,” October 28). I disagree, however, that the late objections to the postal centre siting are “a negation of democracy.” While the project was apparently understood by certain privately-informed sections for a long time, people in general, including many normally well-informed, knew little about it till recent months, as I have been told frequently. Until May 20 last, only one picture of the building (the first stage) had been released (July, 1971) and what the completed building would look like was not apparent till even later this year. I claim, therefore,. that those objecting to the proposed siting are acting fully within their democratic rights—indeed, in the interests of democracy itself.— Yours, etc., HELEN HERVEY. October 29, 1972. [Mr J. M. Hargreaves, immediate past president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, replies: “I admire Dr Hervey for her persistence in pursuing what most reasonable people have come to regard as a non-issue, We at least agree on one point and that is that there will be more protests of this type in the future, and I suggest she should devote her undoubted 'talents to other environmental matters which could affect the orderly development of ■our city, to which I claim the same devotion as Dr Hervey. On the subject of the democratic rights and responsibilities of the individual, let us agree to differ, but I would suggest there is a time to protest and a time to be silent.”]