FIRE STATION AND CIVIC CENTRE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 144, 21 June 1933, Page 8

FIRE STATION AND CIVIC CENTRE

' (To the Editor.) Sir,—Your sub-leader on the. necessity for looking into the future wheu dealing with the question of the new fire station site was very -welcome. lam a descendant of 1841 settlers and proud of my native city in many respects, but I have always felt a keen regret that the lay-out of the city made so little provision for ,any open .spaces in the centre of the city and unfortunately those of a later generation have erred in the same direction. I am afraid that the mercenary spirit toe often controls those in authority. Mr. Troup's scheme to establish a civic centre opposite the Town Hall was therefore hailed with considerable pleasure. It is beyond my comprehension' why opposition is so often raised to any' proposals made by those" having visions of Wellington's future. Is it that we as a community are lacking the aesthetic sense? Wellington alone of all the larger cities in New Zealand hasn't an open space anywhere near the centre of the for a rest park. Even the smaller cities-rWanganui, Palmerston Nprth, Napier, Hastings—all have these appreciated open spaces, so let us grasp with both hands this one available opportunity. , . Regarding the firo station, undoubtedly the best site is that of the Clyde Quay School and a sure foundation for the building guaranteed. The enormous cost of preparing the Corporation yard site will be avoided and save the cost of the necessary substitutes. Even though the estimated cost between the two sites may be a difference of approximately £7000 it is a mere bagatelle when so many considerations arc involved. One line of thought which seems to have been overlooked is the in'ospcctivc value of the .Corporation yard site in, future years. We are unfortunately ' just now suffering financial difficulties, but let us not be obsessed by this to the future detriment of the city. We arc not always going to. be in*the doldrums.—l am, LOOKING FORWARD.