“AN EYESORE.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 135, 8 May 1928, Page 7

“AN EYESORE.”

FOXTON’S COURTHOUSE

CLAIAI FOR NEW BUILDING JUSTIFIED. (Bv Telegraph—Special to Standard.) FOXTON, May 8. Hon. F. J. Rolleston, Alinister for Justice, visited Foxton this morning in company with Air J. Linklater, ALP., to receive a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce asking for a new courthouse. Tho Alayor (Mr W. Porreau), in welcoming the Alinister, said that the need for a new building was obvious and lie felt sure, that tho Alinister would give tho matter favourable consideration. Foxton was progressing and the court proceedings extended over a wide district. The position to-day was that they needed better housing for the Justice Department. Air Linklater stated that the courthouse had been erected over 50 years ago. The cost to the department had been very small as the land had been given free. The department had not spent' much in Foxton. He was sure that the Alinister would give the matter every consideration. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Air Hornblow welcomed the Alinister. They had long been agitating for the new building he said. Tho present one was an eyesore to the town and was 62 years old. The Justice Department had not paid one penny for the land and the building had cost only from £l5O to £2OO. The foundations had gone; the front was breaking away, and it. was dangerous to walk heavily on the floor. They had waited 20 years for a new building and ho trusted that the department would accede.to the request. The Alinister said that he would do all in his power to have a new building -erected. After seeing the building he was quite satisfied that tho claim was more than justified. Probalily it would not he done this year, but he would see that Foxton’s claim was among the first to be settled. Air Rolleston then paid an informal visit to the military training camp at Foxton racecourse, being received by Colonel J. Armstrong who conducted him around the camp The Alinister was very favourably impressed with the camp and trainees.