THE CITY COUNCIL AND ST. PAUL'S CHURCH SITE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8960, 18 August 1892, Page 3

THE CITY COUNCIL AND ST. PAUL'S CHURCH SITE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Objection has been taken to the proposed sale to the Council of the old site at toot of Princess-street. It has been intimated "that the Council cannot afford the purchase, and that the proposal to sell is made in the interest of parties who are assumed to be actuated by selfish motives. The latter contention is not worth discussing; but the question, as a matter of business, is very simple. It is generally admitted that the possession by the Council of the open space once occupied by the church is desirable in the interests of the city, and that it would be matter for regret should the space be again built upon. Now the amount asked for the site is not a large sum, £1375; it is not outside the value put upon it by competent land valuers; and there is a reasonable ■ certainty that the value, in the near future, will considerably increase. The amount of purchase money can remain at interest lor five years at 5$ per cent. These terms are so favourable that the Council can scarcely justify a refusal to accede to them on account of the amount asked for the property, or the terms upon which the purchase can bemade. If the Council will approach the question with a view of adding 6. valuable asset to the municipal estate, and upon exceptionally favourable terms, they will find their action endorsed by all the citizens who desire the permanent welfare of the city, and that every occasion should be taken to add to its attractions when an opportunity of so doing can be had at the price and upon the terms asked in connection with the proposed purchase of this property. During the past three years my utmost endeavours have been used to get the church rebuit in a more central position than the old site, believing that the welfare of the congregation would be served thereby, but this is quite outside the quesof the value of the property to the corporation, which is really the subject to be decided by the Council. am, etc., W. S. Whitley, Minister's Warden, St. Paul's Church,