Mona Vale

Press, 23 July 1987, Page 12

Mona Vale

Sir, —Is the Horticultural Society trying to hide something from the public? Why are there so many conflicting facts regarding the proposal to build a 1000 sq m building on the grounds of Mona Vale? A newspaper feature article on June 23 tells us that, on pages 31-35 of a proposal before the Riccarton Borough Council, the society plans to demolish the fernery and replace it with new headquarters. A spokesman for the society, in a letter on June 25, supported the proposal but would not say exactly where they propose to site the building and carpark. And today Lynn Atkinson discloses that members of the Horticultural Society, in their most recent newsletter, have been told they “do not have a site, nor a plan” for their headquarters. Who is misinforming whom? — Yours, etc., (Mrs) JUDY TURNER. July 14, 1987. [The secretary of the Canterbury Horticultural Society, Mr T. W. B. Clarke, replies; “The Canterbury Horticultural Society has been most forthright in its dealings, both with its own members and the public, regarding its application to relocate its premises in Mona Vale, as indicated in an article appearing in “The Press” on July 15. Whilst the fernery site has been proposed, an alternative site also being considered is behind the lodge house. This would be adjacent to Girls’ High School and unobtrusive to the Mona Vale setting. Submissions have been made to the Mona Vale Joint Committee with proposals including the design of a building which would conform to its requirements and complement existing structures. A final decision will be made once all submissions for and against the proposal have been evaluated.”] Sir,—The proposed development of Mona Vale will not enhance, but possibly spoil, its unique character. Sight-seers who tour Mona Vale are only interested its natural

beauty. A modern horticultural hall would dominate the garden; it would be impossible to overlook. If we are to promote Mona Vale we should be restoring and preserving the existing property, not modernising it with the development of carparks and buildings. Our heritage is very important to us and should be safeguarded. — Yours, etc., TERESA CHIN. July 20, 1987.