PROPOSAL TO CLEAR TREES FROM GARDENS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 65, 18 March 1931, Page 3

PROPOSAL TO CLEAR TREES FROM GARDENS.

WIDENING THE VIEW FROM ART GALLERY

The Art Gallery Committee visited the site of the new building yesterday afternoon. “It is pleasing to note,” said the Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer), at the conclusion of the inspection, “ that such rapid progress is being made and that such good -work is being put into it. The committee is satisfied with what is being done.” The party comprised the Maj'-or, Councillor J .W. Beanland, Messrs J. S. Neville (Town Clerk), R. E. McDougall, George Harper and E. Armstrong, architect for the Art Gallery.

Mr Armstrong explained to the committee his scheme for having the paths on the north side of the Archery Lawn converge on the main entrance to the Art Gallery; the clearing away of the trees immediately in front so that the portico would be visible from the farthest part of the lawn; and the levelling of the ground to allow for a gentle rise to the entrance steps as a continuation of the lawn. Mr Armstrong said that it would not be necessary to remove all the trees. Members were then shown through the building, various points of its construction being explained by Mr Armstrong. “Many Fine Trees.”

“ Mr Armstrong’s proposal would certainly improve matters from the point of view of those interested in the Art Gallery, but it is for the Domains Board to say whether the trees shaTUbe shifted,” said Mr J. Young, curator of the Botanical Gardens, this morning in referring to the above proposal. “ There are many fine trees and shrubs in the area concerned, and much labour would be involved in their removal.”