FOR THE WINTER SHOW

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 134, 3 December 1926, Page 7

FOR THE WINTER SHOW

LEASE OF TOWN BELT AREA

CONDITIONS TO BE ARRANGED.

The Finance Committee reported to the City Council last night that it had received a deputation from the Wellington Show Association in regard to the lease of a portion of the Town Belt at Hutcheson road for the erection of a winter show building, and recommended that a 42 years' lease be granted the association, on terms and conditions to be arranged, subject to cancellation if legislation is passed authorising the use of the area for the purpose required. Councillor J. Glover moved that the clause bo referred back to the crmniittee, and said that nothing should be done until legislation was secured.Councillor F. Meadowtroft said the council on two previous occasions had got into difficulties through proceeding before gaining necessary legislation, and he would second the motion until legislation was obtained. Councillor Semple said the success of the Winter Show building scheme depended upon the land being made available before next winter, but ho did not want to see the council accused of bartering away the trusts of the city. Councillor Luckie: "You know thejT are not doing that." Councillor Seniple pointed out that the council was as a matter of policy to the leasing of any part of its reserves for any period, and it had been proposed to grant a lease for as long as the association wished. As a compromise, tho Finance Committcy was ready for some reason to depart from principle and grant a 40 years' lease. The Mayor (Mr. C. J. B. Norwood) expressed the opinion that if the people would subscribe £50,000 for investment in an area for winter sport the proposal was a good one. He felt sure the council would get the legislation for the Government had never refused it anything that was reasonable. Tho motion was lost by 11 votes to 4, whereupon Councillor G. A. Troup moved an addition to the clause making the matter subject to conditions drawn up by the City Solicitor. The amendment W3s approved and the cla-se as amended adopted.