LAND FOR THE PEOPLE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 33, 8 August 1923, Page 6

LAND FOR THE PEOPLE

LOWER HUTT BOROUGH PROJECT.

On Tuesday night the executive of the Lower Hutt Progress League thoroughly investigated the details ,of a proposal being instituted by the Borougn Council to purchase from the Public Trustee a large and valuabls piece of land, comprising a very considerable frontage to the main street, and about 4£ acres of land, including the Family Hotel, the Exchange Buildings, and others. The borough has secured an option o% rer 'the whole estate for £14,000, and while holding the option has obtained a firm offer of £9000,f0r the hotel alone, and a tentative offer of £5000 for the Exchange Buildings.

A poll of the ratepayers is to be taken on Wednesday next, and it is the intention of the borough, if the poll is successful, to complete the purchase of the property and to close on the offer for the sale of the hotel, and then to call tend^s for the purchase of the Exchange Buildings, when it is confidently expected that a price above the £5000 now offered will be secured. The balance of the land contains 77ft frontage to the main " street, and long frontages to Laing's road and Fraser street.

After going very fully into all details of the proposal with the council, the executive of the Progress League is fully convinced that the proposal is excellent from every point of view.' The bare land is very suitable for a general park or children's play area, and adjoining the centre of the town, will, when laid out and beautified, be one of the prettiest spots in the borough. The league considers that the council deserves the highest credit for the excellent business ability shown on behalf of the ratepayers. . 5

A general meeting of the Progress League will be held on Friday evening next in connection with the matter.