CATHEDRAL GROUNDS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19147, 2 November 1927, Page 5

CATHEDRAL GROUNDS.

* WILL THEY BE BUILT ON ? Any suggestion to build offices or other structures on tho Cathedral grounds was condemned at yesterday's meeting of the Christchurch Beautitying Association, and the meeting decided that • sub-committee should approach the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral to find out if there was actually any definite proposal to build on tho grounds. "We should lodge our protest," said 'Mr Owen, who moved: "That the. Association views with apprehension a suggestion that further offices should be built on the site '

"Althougli.it uiay look dictatorial to anybody to say that they should not build on the grounds, yet every citizen has some claim to the beauty of Cathedral square," said Mr Owen. Mr F. L Hutchinson: Is it at all imminent? Is it worth discussing? Mr E. 11. Andrews pointed out that there was little money with which to build, and if any was forthcoming it was improbable that such a step should be tjfken. Further buildings on the site were unlikely. "Are we piepared to pass a motion regarding the tram shelter?" he asked. "The Square is now decidedly a business place." Mr Owen: A shunting-ground! , Mr Andrews: But 90 per cent, of the people-are in opposition to any removal of the tram shelter. If there must be a shelter there let us press for a good one—a pretty one. Mr Hutchinson maintained that they were protected against any incursions by the Town-Planning Act. Mr Andrews: There is some doubt about that, Mr Hutchinson advised that the motion should be held over until it was definitely known whether any building was to be erected.

Mr Owen. The matter came up at the Synod, and the plans of the committee were approved. ' Mr Hutchinson then moved that the matter be deferred until the Dean and Chapter had' been approached, and the Association ha'd found out if there was a definite proposal to build. The chairman, Mr A. D. Dobson: Tlie Beautifying Association is only half a dozen people, and thev might consider that it is a "bit of cheek." Mr Hutchinson's motion was adopted.