THE SQUARE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 9 December 1930, Page 10

THE SQUARE.

TWO MORE SHELTERS. COMBINED COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION. CITY COUNCIL APPROVES. Two octagonal shelters in stone ire to be erected on the roadway in the Square close to the corners of the wings of the reserve to replace the present tram shelter according to the report of the Combined Committee which was adopted by last night's meeting of the City Council by nine votes to five after a discussion in committee. The report submitted by the Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) showed that the recommendation had been unanimously agreed to by representatives of the Council and the Tramway Board on the committee. The shelters, it added, would cost £950 each, and each one would seat 55 people. The Tramway Board would be authorised to make suitable arrangements for an inspectors' office on the south side of the reserve. Towards the cost of the shelters the Tramway Board would contribute one-third and the Council two-thirds, the solicitor to the Municipal Association having ruled that tho Council could contribute towards their erection provided they were not used exclusively for tram passengers. The City Council would be asked to proceed with the work as early as possible, so as to have the shelters completed before the existing building should be demolished. It is understood that the Tramway Board at yesterday's meeting, approved of the plans. PILGRIMS DISCUSS SCHEME.

CONTROVERSY AVOIDED. A mixed reception was accorded by the annual meeting of the Canterbury Pilgrims' Association last night to a motion, relative to the proposal to erect two shelters in Cathedral square, which was moved by Mr C. Hastings Bridge. The text of the motion was: —

"We, the members of the Canter- ® bury Pilgrims' Association, desire to express our very strong x n " otest against erecting shelters, or providing conveniences, in the Cathedral square. We arc satisfied that no record of the early days of tho settlement can be quoted to show that such misuse of tho Square was ever suggested, or was in the mind of our pioneers; and wo are equally satisfied that modern requirements do not demand it. Our lovely river, and of late our suburban l>ouleva_rds, are in the highest degree picturesque and attractive; and we believe that it is the duty of our citizens and their representatives on our public bodies to take a firm attitude against all encroachments, and definitely adopt and keep in view the beautifying and improvement of the i centro of our City."

Mr Bridge said that it was a matter on which they, as descendants of the Pilgrims, should express an opinion. The objection voiced in the early days against the tramways being laid in the principal streets was not far wrong; they should have been kept to the side streets, and then they would not have had the trouble about the Square. He often wondered what their fathers would think of the use that the beautiful Square they left them had been put to—converted into a tramway yard! If shelters in stone were erected it would bo "good-bye" to getting tlio trams out of the Square. They should make an endeavour to stop it. The Square was not the most convenient place to board or leave trams—it was nothing more than a habit. He would like to see the Godley Statue back on the site on which their fathers placed it. Mr P. G. Hobbs seconded the motion. A Controversial Matter. The chairman (Mr E. R. Webb) regretted that the motion had been moved in the Association; he much preferred that it should not be moved, lie did not think that they should enter into the controversy. Mr J. O. Jameson thought that it might be considered an infringement of the rule which set out that one of the objects of the Association was "to promote a spirit of brotherhood and friendship. '' Mr A. D. Hassall: There is a race grown up in Cliristchurch that has no sympathy with the sentiments of the old pioneers. (Hear, hear.) Some have not lived here very long, and some have extraordinary views on this question. I am in hearty sympathy with the motion. Mr E. H. Marriner proposed that the discussion should bo postponed. The chairman: I think it better for the Association not to enter into controversial matters. Can we refer it to the committee? Mr Bridge: Certainly; but I brought it up because I thought a general meeting should deal with it. Left to Committee. Mr A. 11. Holmes suggested that if the motion were agreed to the Association might lose the use of their room in the Council Chambers. Mr 11. W. Palmer said that he had very great sympathy with the mover, and as an Association they should not be ashamed to express their opinion. Mr Bridge was moving in the right direction. Mr Bridge said that he had a higher opinion of the Mayor than to think that he would take the action suggested by Mr Holmes. Mr Palmer said that even if there were differences of opinion as to what the pioneers intended regarding the Square, there was no reason why they the members of the Association—should not have higher ideals. Mr Jameson said ..that evidently they were not unanimous, and unless they were the motion would not be effectiUe't -^ e every sympathy with u •, f ; os,re get the Square free of buddings. An amendment: "That the motion be referred to the committee," was agreed to.