Ferrymead’s support need defended

Press, 24 July 1984, Page 13

Ferrymead’s support need defended

Christchurch people should recognise the potential value of the Ferrymead Trust and give it the financial support it needs to develop, according to its director, Mr Don Muir. Mr Muir was responding to a report that a grant to Ferrymead was queried at a Riccarton Borough Council committee meeting because the trust provided commercial entertainment. The trust charged only a nominal entrance fee and this included a ride by tram or train, Mr Muir said. If this fee was the reason for the “short-sightedness shown by councillors in their lack of support of this unique city asset” then Ferrymead would remove the charge if it were given the same support that other city venues got. The Canterbury Museum, for instance, received $700,000 and the Robert McDougall Art Gallery $500,000. A total grant from all metropolitan bodies of $lO,OOO or 3c a person was

“quite an insult to the people who had the vision and those who have put the effort and finance into the park.” More than 1000 volunteers gave.time and money to the park providing collections representing New Zealand history. “In other words, carrying out its local bodies’ role in this area.” The general manager of the Tourist and Publicity Department had said that Ferrymead had the potential to be “the man-made tourist attraction of New Zealand,” Mr Muir said. “Tourists are not going to stay in Christchurch just to see ducks on the Avon. We need a variety of attractions of the highest standard.” Ferrymead was a unique attraction and was recognised around the world, he said. The Riccarton Council committee recommended a $230 grant to the trust, as suggested by the Metropolitan grants committee.