“MIGHT LOWER THE COUNCIL’S DIGNITY”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19197, 10 October 1930, Page 5

“MIGHT LOWER THE COUNCIL’S DIGNITY”

AMUSING DISCUSSION ABOUT MINIATURE GOLF. (Special to the “ Star.”) AUCKLAND, October 10. Three offers to lease vacant portions of the Civic Square property for miniature golf courses led to an amusing discussion at a meeting of the City Council. Councillor A. J. Entrican moved that the council should approve of the principle of granting tenancies for twelve months, terminable at one month’s notice by the council without compensation. He said that there was little chance of disposing of the sections at the upset prices for some considerable time, and he saw no harm in obtaining revenue from them in the meantime. “I am opposed to letting part of the Civic Square for people to play marbles on,” said Councillor T. Bloodworth. “I cannot bring myself to think that it is in accord with the council’s dignity to let an area for a magnified bagatelle board. I have seen the course in the Civic Theatre and I have nothing against the game. It seems all right to those who play it, but if we agree to this proposal it will look as if we have abandoned all hope of a permanent tenancy.” The Mayor: We have let it before. Councillor Bloodworth: You mean for a mission tent or open-air oratory? The Mayor: This piece that they want was let as a motor stand. Councillor Bloodworth: Even that might be a more appropriate use than, giving it up to schoolboys for playing marbles. Councillor G. W. Hutchison said that the council need not be too dignified to earn a little honest money. However, no course should be allowed fronting Queen Street. If it were, the footpath would be congested with onlookers all day long. He moved an amendment accordingly, but it was not seconded. Councillor En trican’s motion was carried, although Councillor T. A. O’Brien, manager of the Civic Theatre Miniature Golf Course, objected to granting leases except for a sixty-six years term, as imposed on J;he existing Civic Square lessees.