THE SQUARE SCHEME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18947, 18 December 1929, Page 8

THE SQUARE SCHEME.

To tho Editor. Dear Sir,—Concerning the lay-out of Cathedral Square, I notice that Mr Gould has complained of the little interest taken by the citizens. I may say I, with many others, had followed very closely everything that has been done. There has been a great deal of talk and discussion by every section of the committee set up, on the various schemes proposed, and this has extended over such a long period that it must be evident to the committee, the citizens, and all concerned that none of the schemes will be a success. The removal of the tram rails towards the Cathedral and the erection of two shelters on the street would be an outrage. With these facts established, why spend large sums of money in doing work that will again have to be pulled up and remodelled in the course of a few years ? There is one thing only that will be satisfactory, and that is the removal of the trams from the Square to a new circuit via Manchester Street, Armagh Street, Oxford Terrace, through Durham Street to Lichfield Street, and thence to the Clock Tower, retaining the two entrances to the Square in Worcester Street, but not approaching beyond a fixed limit. This scheme would take the passengers along to their places of business, instead of leaving them vith quite a long walk from the Square. The time, however, has not yet arrived for their removal, and therefore I strongly urge deferring the whole matter for about five years. Times are hard, living expenses are high, Government taxation is increasing, trams are not paying running expenses, and ratepayers are almost strangled with the ever-increasing load of rates. At such a time, and under such circumstances it would be a calamity to spend a huge sum of money in a new lay-out. If the Tramway Board understood that the trams had to leave the Square it could work out its scheme, so that when renewals were required these could be re-built to fit into the new circuit as opportunity offered. The conveniences in the Square at present are in the most unsuitable and most dangerous place in the city. In approaching them, trams, and street traffic of all descriptions, is coming at the pedestrians from four different directions, in the most dangerous manner possible. These places should be in various parts of the city, built underground close beside, or even underneath, the footpaths, as found in other large cities of the world. From what I know of Mr Gould and his ability as a financier, I have every reason to believe that he would willingly defer the removal of the shelter for a few years in order to do the best for the as a whole.—l am, etc., POSTPONE THE NEW LAY-OUT OF THE SQUARE.