"BLOT ON THE CITY”

Evening Star, Issue 23122, 23 November 1938, Page 19

"BLOT ON THE CITY”

OLD TELEGRAPH BUILDING BUSINESSMEN CRITICISE ITS SHABBINESS Strong criticism of the unsightly state of the old Telegraph Office was voiced by the president of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr P. 0. SmelHe) at lust night’s meeting of the chamber. “ The old Telegraph Office building has stood unoccupied (except for occasional tenancies by election committees and carnival gatherings), and, to my mind, it is a blot on the city to have it there in such a shabby and dilapidated state,” said Mr Srnollie. “It is a disgrace to the city that it should have stood there so long. The executive has decided to write to the authorities, draw attention to its unsightly state, and urge that something bo done to make it more presentable.”

Mr Smollie said there was another aspect of the matter in the fact that the building represented £30,000 or £40.000 in capital lying idle. In the interests of the taxpayers, if it was not to be handed to the city it should at least be used in such a way that it would be an asset. Mr Smellie pointed out that the centennial celebrations would be held next year, and he hoped that the question would be solved before then. If their past experience were taken as a guide, however, it might stand there for years. Another point was that the old name was still on the building, and this must inevitably confuse strangers to the city. Mr G. H. Ferens stressed the fact that the building should be removed, whatever was done with the site. It was decided to communicate with the Public Ayorlks Department and urge that something be done.