THE GAOL SITE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14706, 5 June 1920, Page 7

THE GAOL SITE.

The special Commit lee cn the gaol site at last night's Council meeting made the following recommendation: — "That the site-I>e subdivided into nine lots, with a depth of 100 feet -and offered at auction as vacant, sections for a term of 1 years. The frontage of all buildings to he erected on the level of the foot pa till. Tho Valuer to report as to upset rentals. A 12ft right-of-way from Thames street to be reserved." Councillor Miller moved the following resolution, notice fflf which bad been given: "That tho following resolution, passed on 26t'n October. 1917. be. rescinded. viz.. 'That any decision with regard to the ultimate use cf the gaol site be deferred until peace is declared, so that the public of North Otago may bo given tho opportunity of deciding whether the land shall he acriuired for the purpose of a war memorial.' Councillor Cooney seconded the motion. Councillor Swinard said he would vote against the rescinding of the motion. Such a momentous matter should be referred to the citizens. If dealt with as proposed in the Committee's recouu mendation. there was the jjoubt that all sections would" be sold, and there might be sections standing idle for years. Tho dimensions of the proposed sections would give "backyards devoted to* the grow til of noxious weeds. If the back portion were cut up and tlie frc-nt reserved for a square for any for,'a of memorial decided upon it would improve the town. The Mayor a. year ago had issued a manifesto that "the limited number of shops would make this a dubious speculation." Again, recently, the Mayor had said that the site would make an ideal snot- for a soldiers' hall. The Mayor said that while they must not altogether consider soldiers only, the latter were not at all unanimous in regard to the matter. Ho had suggested that the soldiers should acquire some of the sections for the purpose, not necessarily the freehold, but that the land, in the nature of tilings, must eventually revert to the Council. The financial position had changed in the year, and also there was decidedly now an improved demand for business premises. Councillor Calder thousrht that part of the sections could well be reserved for a hall of memories, if such a thing were eventually decided upon. Councillor Forrester thought a liall of memories should not be jammed m amongst the buildings. He was utterly opposed to any ' utilitarian form. of memorial, such as a band rotunda. Councillor Miller's motion was carried. Councillor Swinard dissenting. Councillor Miller moved the adoption of the special Committee's report. Councillor Woodward seconded the motion, which was carried. The Valuer was instructed to report upon the valuation of the gaol site, further details to bo left to a joint Committee meeting of the Council.