OLD PUBLIC UTILITY RESERVE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 21 September 1936, Page 4

OLD PUBLIC UTILITY RESERVE

IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS PROPERTY

POSITION EXPLAINED TO CITY COUNCIL

In answer to a request made by the Nelson City Council for an explanation of the ownership of a section of land in the Government Buildings property, and in respect to a section o’f land on the west side of Collingwogd street, opposite Manuka street, the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr A. F. Waters) has replied as follows:—

“The Public Utility Reserve adjoining the Technical School site on the west in Hardy street is a portion of the Government grounds under the administration of the Department of Internal Affairs and is controlled. locally by the District Engineer, Pub- - lie Works Department. I have discussed the position with that officer, who agrees that the land is required for its established purpose and that there is therefore no prospect of its being diverted to any other use. _, tj “Regarding the portion of original Reserve B, some 2 roods 27 perches in • extent on the west side of Collingwood street, and opposite Manuka street, I 1 have to state that this area was gazetted as a school site in 1916, and \ thus came under the control of the Nelson Education Board from that date.

“The land evidently did not prove as useful as a playground as it had been anticipated, and by statutory powers conferred upon the board the land was sold in 1927. This Department or the Government had nothing to do with the sale. how<wer. which was solely the responsibility of the Nelson Education Board."

The Council has appointed a committee to make further investigations into the matter. The Mayor (Mr G. L. Page) at the last meeting of the Council expressed the opinion that it would not be many years before the rebuilding of. the present Government Buildings would have to be considered and if the city could obtain the section referred to it would make a valuable addition to the Queen’s Gardens.'