RIVERBANK BEAUTIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12061, 17 July 1917, Page 7

RIVERBANK BEAUTIES.

COUNCILLOR BILL IN DEFENCE. 1 A motion was tabled in the Oity Council last night by Councillor A. M'Kellar that the Minister of Lands should be asked to insert in the Wash-ing-up Bill a clause transferring to the council the right to build on the riverbank section north of the present Council Chambers, in lieu of the right now enjoyed to build on the section occupied by the Scott statue. Councillor P. R. Olimie seconded tliG motion.

Councillor H. G. Ell said that he was astonished at the proposal to seize any beautiful riverbank. reservo for building purposes. The city was laid out by tho late Captain Thomas and Edward Jolly, and everything they had done should be held in reverence. Most, of the reserves were secured by the foresight of Edward Jolly, and one of tho most charming, features of the city was the riverbank.' The Council Chamber, also, was one of the most beautiful buildings in New Zealand. To add to it would spoil its beauty. Further, to add to it would create a city asset of £IO,OOO or £12,000, which future councillors would not be able to abandon, and the whole block would go. To extend would close the pretty view to and from the old Provincial Council Chambers. Was this to be done simply because the ratepayers, foolishly guided by the " Lyttolton Times," hud turned down the Canterbury Hall proposal. There was room for oriices where the Xiresent city stables stood. He hoped some day that; the council would purchase the whole block right up to the Choral Hall. Whatever the consequences might be, he would oppose the extension of tho present buildings. Why not purchase the block from Dr Manning's to Dr Palmer's? If Councillor Fleshor was chairman of a business concern that had stables on a long frontage worth £BO a foot, or urinals on a. city corner worth £BO a foot he would not please his shareholders. Councillor Flesher replied that the point was already under the rmauce Committee's consideration. Councillor F. Burgoyne said that the motion did not commit the council to U ''A n subtle move," said Councillor Ell. "with what object " The motion was carried ■bv lo votes »o'2. Councillor W. Nichols accompanying Councillor Ell on the ' bo gide.