City development

Press, 27 July 1988, Page 16

City development

Sir, —If Lesley J. Collingwood’s many workers (July 22) had stated their preference to their union officials for centuryold office accommodation, with accompanying amenities, much effort on their behalf could have been avoided. Christchurch was

founded 80 years too late. There would have been few arguments today had the earliest • buildings been Georgian; well-lit and spacious, they exist outside mere fashion. Victorians despised their “dull uniformity” and, with new technology and a growing acquaintance with historic styles, they burst (with few exceptions) into a building spree of outstanding vulgarity. We were spared the worst of it, since the pioneers did not come here to spend money, but to make it. I welcome the presence of clean, crystalline buildings, and if they are tall and well spaced with lawn and trees, the environment will be far more enjoyable than that afforded by the huddle of heirlooms that cram our streets. Let that be our identity.—Yours, etc. W. A. SUTTON. July 23, 1988.