TOWN HALL OR THEATRE?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16452, 14 June 1921, Page 7

TOWN HALL OR THEATRE?

•TO THE EOITOa. Sir,—Correspondents of the type of “ Town Hall ” are not going to be turned one inch from the path they have set out to tread. Your edi-

torial on Saturday should be quite sufficient to convince anyone but the most conservative and wildly prejudiced that there are two sides to the question. But it will not. To a section of the citizens it is Town Flail or nothing. Selfishness is the dominant phase of their attitude, for while they must know that there is no possibility of a loan proposal of the amount required for the purchase of land and the erection of a Town Hall being carried for some years, yet they are prepared to block a proposal which is a sound business proposition, and, moreover, which is advanced to fill a muchneeded want. Your correspondent's reference to private enterprise was most inopportune, for it is the actions of private enterprise which have shown that in the matter of a house of entertainment private enterprise; has about as much as it is entitled to. Private enterprise has made it necessary for the citizens to step in to protect interests of a local character- I wonder does “ Town Hall ” really know of the conditions which are attached to leaning the Theatre Royal, the only available public building that is suited to some local requirements V I think not: otherwise lie would, I am sure" hold different views from those contained in his letter. I might refer him. for instance, to the Canterbury College Association, which hat been compelled to abandon its annual week's revue. Y'ou made the position of Town Hall and Concert Hall quite clear in your editorial, and showed that not only is the latter an absolute necessity. hut that its construction will not prejudice the bigger project when the lime comes for its serious consideration. That time is not vet, hut while we are awaiting its arrival, advocates of the Town Hall scheme would have the city starved for want of an additional place of entertainment which can he acquired without anv cost to the ratepayers. There is ample revenue in sight to pay interest and provide for a sinking fund. Tt is a giltedged proposition, and the many local institutions directly interested in it must beat, up their supporters on polling day and do their utmost to put it through.—l am, etc.. PROGRESS.