“AN ABSOLUTE OUTRAGE.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16582, 15 November 1921, Page 8

“AN ABSOLUTE OUTRAGE.”

REST HOUSE IN CENTRE OF SQUARE. Very general disapproval lias been expressed in the citj r regarding tho decision of the City Council to erect a rest house for mothers in the centre of Cathedral Square, on the grass plot formerly occupied by the Godley statue. “ I object to it tooth and nail,” said Mr James Jamieson, a member of the executive of the Beautifying Association. “ I am sure that every one of the others will object too.’’ he added. “It is an uncalled for thing. The next thing they will want will be automatic feeding bottles throughout the city. The thing is monstrous- It is an absolute outrage- I was at the unveiling of the Godlev monument, and God knows they were men worthy of the name who erected it, but to-day we have a different class of men to deal with.” Referring to the fact that the rest house would interfere with the proposal to erect a memorial column in Cathedral Square, Mr Jamieson said that lie was entirely in fax'our of the s.ifce, which was the only proper one for the column, where it could be seen by everybody who passed through the Square. The advocates of an arch had all the money they required, and he wag sure when the time came that the money would be forthcoming for the column and that it would be erected iu the centre of Cathedral Square. All that was required in the way of a tramway waiting place could be incorporated in the design of the column. It canio to me as an absolute surprise,” said Mr llenry Holland, who was seven years Mayor of Christchurch, to think that any body of public men would give their consent to tho iSquaro being used for any such purpose. Whether a rest house i a desirable is the question—but that is not the plaeo for it. I feel confident the council could easily provide a suitable I>iace without any further disfigurement of the Square. It is badly enough disfigured it is. With the rates almost doubled since I left the council, and with the overdraft almost trebled,” Mi* Holland addedj “it seems extraordinary that tho council in these times should contemplate an expenditure of 4:4000 for such a purpose. 1 sincerely hope the citizens in a body will prevent such a proposal. In any case, the Mayor pledged himself to support the proposal that that plot should be used for tho erection of the wur memorial colupin, and it this new proposal is carried the site will not be available. Apart from that, we don’t want any molt building© in the Square. During my term as Mayor some very tempting offers, at a very high figure, were made to secure sweets shops in Cathedral Square, but they were not considered for a moment-. I hope the people will turn this down. The overdraft is nearly £200,000, and it is time the council considered easing rather than increasing the burden of taxation. A rest house for mothers must be desirable, but the council could easily provide accommodation in a central position without using Cathedral Square, which is one of the beauty spots of the city.