Setback for preservation

Press, 27 February 1986, Page 16

Setback for preservation

PA Wellington The Historic Places Trust will reduce vital preservation and maintenance works because of lack of money, according to its director, Mr John Daniels.

The trust is responsible for preserving old buildings and places, many of which have been ear-

marked for demolition or development

Preservation and maintenance works on buildings, many being tourism drawcards, would have to be cut because more money was needed from the Government and the Lottery Board, Mr Daniels said.

The trust’s funds for

owners of historic places had requests for assistance totalling more than $750,000, yet the programme had received only $140,000 annually over the last few years, he said.

“This amount is inadequate to deal with urgent preservation needs. An allocation of $300,000 is needed to keep pace with requirements,” he said. Mr Daniels said that without a substantial boost in funding it would be impossible for the trust to maintain the viability of programmes.

The Lottery Board last year granted the trust $750,000. Salaries and administration costs are paid by Internal Affairs. A Government cash grant of $185,000 was made for work during the 19851986 year.

Mr Daniels said membership, the trust’s second main source of income, had levelled of at about 18,000 and was not expected to grow quickly.