Country People And Town Hall Project

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31109, 12 July 1966, Page 14

Country People And Town Hall Project

Confidence that the farming families of Canterbury would wish to be associated with Town Hall Promotion was expressed by the chairman (Mr H. G. Hay). He said a number of country people had recently said that they wished to be associated with the project.

“Since the announcement of the result of the architectural competition for the design of the Town Hail a number of country people have expressed their desire to help in financing it,” Mr Hay said. “It is not an easy matter to organise an approach to farming areas, but the executive of Town Hall Promotion is giving this matter further careful consideration as it has always been felt that many country residents in Canterbury would wish to be associated with the voluntary effort to help build a Town Hall. “In the meantime it is hoped that some of our friends in country districts will take the initiative in sending their donations to the treasurer of Town Hall Promotion, Mr L. A. G. Rich, care of the City Council Chambers. “I am confident that the majority of the pioneer farming families of Canterbury who did so much for the city

in its early days would wish to be associated with this great community effort, possibly by endowing a seat in the hall by a gift of £lOO.

“County Town” “Christchurch is, after all, the ‘county’ town for the whole province where many sons and daughters of farmers are educated, and where many community activities involving both town and country people are held. A common meeting place such as a town hall provides will be an amenity appreciated by everybody.” Mr Hay said that one country resident had suggested that a direct canvass should be made in all country districts. “1 feel sure that most country residents believe they have a stake in the future of Christchurch,” the resident wrote. “Many of these people will at some time use the facilities provided by the citizens of Christchurch. Not many would want to have it that way. They would want to help finance this centre for Canterbury.” Mr Hay said donations of £lOO, £5O, £25 and other smaller amounts had been received since the competition had been decided.