IN DEFENCE OF WELLINGTON

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 93, 14 January 1929, Page 11

IN DEFENCE OF WELLINGTON

Sir, —In a recent issue of your esteemed paper I read a letter from a Christchurch correspondent referring to Wellington us a "drab” city. Seeing that no one so far has replied to that assertion 1 take up the cudgeis on this city's behalf. 1 happen to know Christchurch well — with its two cathedrals, its university and colleges, its squares, its botanic gardens and museum, and its beautiful River Avon. Its streets are wide and cleanly —not "drab” by any means —but there is an atmosphere about it that is decidedly "Pecksuiffian.” It is so imbued with smug complacency that its progress is retarded, so much so that one of its Labour members has again applied to Sir Joseph Ward for a further grant to help its unemployed. . . Two well-known public citizens have made handsome donations to that city recently —£25,000 for an up-to-date Art Gallery and the other of some £4OOO or £5OOO towards a band rotunda and its equipment. The location for these structures caused quite a lot of haggling—the "Pecksniflian” attitude again.

Wellington, ou the other hand, is full of vim and life. One sees evidence of it everywhere. Building permits constitute a record, and I see by this morning's paper that Wellington has some eight or nine children's playing areas. A record number of motor licenses has been issued for heavy traffic, and this state of progress is seen in the attitude of its citizens. "Drab” though a few of the buildings may be, there is a sense of bigness about them which makes one feel very comfortable. Its two daily newspapers are housed in palatial buildings, and the T. and G. and A.M.P. insurance offices are well worth noticing. Far from "drab,” they breathe a sense of security, as do the various buildings that house the various Departments of the Government services. A very fine view greets passengers as they leave the wharves to enter the city, no matter what street they take. The buildings in the streets of Wellington central were built to stand for all time, and many of them are handsome works of architecture. So what matter the want of a bit of paint to take away _ that “drab” 100k —strength and purpose is behind it all. If freshness is required one has only to turn right-about-face to see the ocean and feel the fresh cool winds. If one further wishes to delight in the beauties of this city, for a few pence spent in tram or bus he or she can reach the heights and then see one of the finest panoramic sights to be seen in the Southern Hemisphere—a glorious view of Wellington. As showing the public spiritedness of its citizens, they have only within a few months, at the call of the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup), subscribed nearly £lOO,OOO towards building a National Museum and Art Gallery. This, with the carillon that is to be installed, will considerably add to the dignity of the city. Mr. Troup may well- be proud of his city. As the city is Evidently proud of him, it unitedly acted, and I earnestly express the hope that Mr. Troup will remain in office and see his scheme brought to completion. Carrying a Government subsidy, the buildings will be a splendid memorial to New Zealand’s brave fallen in the Great War. Thanking you. Sir, for giving me so much space—l had to say my piece—for yours is a “graund toon.” —I am, etC " “BRIAN HEWITT.” Wellington, January 10.