FINE ARTS SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22192, 20 August 1935, Page 10

FINE ARTS SCHEME

THE PRESENT DEADLOCK | COLLEGE AND COUNCIL AN UNDERSTANDING SOUGHT The City Council is to be approached by the Auckland University College Council in order to see whether a new basis of agreement between the two bodies can be reached in regard to the future of the old Grammar School site in Symonds Street, on which a deadlock occurred at a recent conference of the interested parties with the Minister of Education, the Hon. S. G. Smith. Reporting to tho college council yesterday, the president, Mr. T. U. "Wells, said he was most disappointed with tho outcome of the meeting. Apparently there had been some misunderstanding, for the Minister had expected that ho would meet only representatives of the City Council and that the objections of the Grammar School board would have been smoothed over. The City Council threw a bombshell when it intimated that it claimed the whole of the site, although the original proposal, made by tho late Sir George Fowlds, had been that the council and the University College should nnito in erecting —not necessarily at one time —a public art gallery and a university fino arts building. Unfortunately, also, the Grammar School board pressed its claim for compensation for. loss of the property, and the Minister stated that he could do nothing until finality was reached with the board. Tho result was a deadlock, for the present at any rate, but it might be well if ho had a private talk with the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis. Mr. A. H. Johnstone, K.C.: We want some finality. If the City Council wants tho whole site and will not work with the university, let it say so, and also to what extent it will bo responsible. Mr. G. Grey Campbell moved that the president, the vice-president, Mr. H. J. D. Mahon, and Mr. W. H. Cocker be a committee to wait on tho Mayor. Mr. H. G. Cousins: I suggest that wo make an attempt to deal with the Grammar School board. A Member: That would bo absolutely impossible. Mr. Wells: Tho Minister said the Grammar School board would be satisfied if its needs in regard to buildings were mot. A Member: No. They are wanting assembly lialls. Mr. W. H. Cocker: Apparently the Minister is not taking much notice of tho Grammar School board. If tho question of accommodation can be settled between him and the board tho outlook will be more hopeful. The motion to appoint tho committee was carried.