WAIMAIRI COUNTY’S ATTITUDE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24907, 21 June 1946, Page 4

WAIMAIRI COUNTY’S ATTITUDE

SUGGESTION TO ROYAL SOCIETY OF N.Z. If the historic value of the Deans Estate was so great, it was fitting that a much larger representation of the people of Canterbury should be called upon to preserve it, said Cr. H. Kitson last evening when the Waimairi County Council received a letter from the Canterbury branch of the Royal Society df New Zealand expressing

concern that the breaking down of negotiations by the Christchurch City Council, Riccarton Borough Council, and Waimairi County Council to purchase the estate as a community centre and park threatened the existence of historic bush land. The society expressed alarm at the suggestion that 1 the area might be split up for housing, j The Waimairi Council had stated its attitude plainly that because the bush was on the edge of its territory it was doubted whether ratepayers would sanction the raising of money to pay the county’s share in the purchase. This was regarding the area as a community centre and park for the three local bodies concerned, Cr. Kitson said. If, however, the appeal was made primarily on the historic associations of the property, the Royal Society might •very well convene a meeting of all local bodies to consider whether the project might not be undertaken by the community as a whole. “If there were a more equitable distribution of costs, this council would undoubtedly be willing to shoulder its share,’’ Cr. Kitson said.

Cr W. P. Spencer: We might get some help from the Government. Cr. Kitson: If the Government did act, it would have to do the same in scores of other places. In any case, that is just passing the buck. The fact that the Deans Bush trustees were always struggling for funds indicated the mind of a lot of people, Cr. Kitson said. Some general scheme might well be considered by the Royal Society of New Zealand. It was decided to suggest that the society approach other local bodies on the lines proposed.