MOUNT COOK GAOL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3261, 19 October 1897, Page 3

MOUNT COOK GAOL.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sat, —In ypur recent leader you referred to the Mount Cook Gaol and to the remarks of the Hon Mr Larnach. Ho rightly looks upon it as a disgrace that the gaol should bo placed iiu-snch a conspicuous position in the- capital city of New Zealand, whore the Governor lives and the representatives of all New Zealand have to pass at least one-fourth of every year. Like many other things, the constant association makes people indifferent, and it is only when you see with other people’s eyes and hear the opinion of strangers that one realises What a blot it is. In travelling in the tram you hear a stranger ask: “Whatis that brick building on the hill f Is it a college ?” And the answer: “ Oh, no; that is our gaol!” The look of surprise and amusement on the enquirer's face is'something to' be remembered. Again, I have often been coming tip the harbour in a big steamer full of strangers; the deck is crowded, the strangers are enquiring about everything they see ; the gaol looms up against the sky line and naturally attracts their attention ; and when informed what it is they claim : “ What 1 That your gaol, perched on your highest hill and overlooking youi whole city; the thing is monstrous !” I may say that in Australia, Wellington is known, even by people who have never seen it, as the city where their most conspicuous building is their gaol. The people of Wellington have been far too apathetic. It is time some action was taken, as I believe that more works are being done, such as a house for the gaoler. This°is a case where I think it is right the City Council, with our representatives Messrs Hutcheson, Stout and Fisher, should lead.-- 1 am, &c„ *Samuet, Brown, Wellington, October loth, 1607.