MOUNT COOK PRISON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1367, 12 May 1898, Page 16

MOUNT COOK PRISON.

DISCUSSION AT THE CITY COUNCIL,

At last week's meeting of the City Council, Councillor Devine intimated that he desired to bring forward a question that had received considerable public attention of late. It had been freely stated that the Government intended to establish the chief penal establishment of the colony at Minor C >"'-—•vr-sio*!'- which it was imperati** l * !, .rtO (■*■<*. Gom'h'.U Kti'mUi t/!l(.<0i - ,>i>»lti ploCv':-.. ' i!rt G \ r (-ivau-nt should certainly be aeiied to sl;ay its hand before committing such an act. The Council surely had some voice in the matter as representing the citizens, and it was to be apprehended the Government would listen to its representations. He considered it would be a lasting disgrace that the crowning site of the city should be occupied for all time by a penal establishment. With all the primary and secondary schools in the vicinity, it had been hoped that the site would be ornamented by a universitycoliege. Evidently the Government was going to take soma action of the kind be had indicated, and the proposal that they should raise their voices against it would no doubt commend itself.

The Mayor: The proper course would bo for me to ascertain on behalf of the Council what the Government really intends to do, as we have not yet any definite information on the subject. Councillor Davine: Well, you could call a public meeting. We should not be inactive in the matter.

The Mayor: That step will folio-*'. Councillor Kigginbottom agreed fchafc a public meeting should be called, and if necessary petitions procured on tfoe sub-

joct, signed by all petsons in the* city over 2l years of age. He quite ebneurred ih the condemnation by previous speakers of the establishment of a prison on the 1 site.

Councillors Fraser and McGill supalso supported Councillor Devine. The latter gentleman said he had personally intended moving in tho matter, but in the meantime it would be quite sufficient if the Mayor, whom they all knew held strong views on the subject, obtained an indication of the Government's intentions. If a favourable report was not forthcoming, .then united action should be taken. Councillor Willeston.- There is no doubt that if we approach the Government it will see the justice of our request. The Mayors Then I will take it as a unanimous instruction on the part of the Council that I see Mr Seddon, and ascertain what tho intentions of the Government are upon the matter. If the case is urgent, then I will take the responsibility of calling a public meeting. Councillors expressed their approval of this, and the matter dropped.