BATTLE OF THE TRIANGLE

Chronicle (Levin), 25 March 1949, Page 4

BATTLE OF THE TRIANGLE

Is Gold Buried There? Asks Raiepayer "Is there a gold mine under this triangle? Everyone seems to want it," asked a member of the Levin Ratepayers' Association, Mr. F. Groot, when the question of the fate of this much-disputed area oi land at tne intersection of Bath and Cambridge 'Streets was airea last night by that body. 'Said Mr. H. E. Herring: There are at least three contenders so f ar. 1 There is a suggestion that the 'R.S.A. wants to use it as a site for a memorial hall, but from wnat I know, few of the R.S.A. men want

it as such. There are aiso tnose who envisage it -as a car park or bus stand, and then we have the Mayor who wants it for a rose garden. I don't know how many more will want it .but I would certainly support the bus stop." Mr. Herring preceded this remark with the opinion that the Ratepayers' Association was apt to rush its fences. These mattersS were important as they affected the deveffipment of a to.wn, he said, and expressed the view tnat much thought should go into the question before anything was put on the triangle. A point ta be remembered was that Levin mignt noi always be on tjae main highway, but he had to concur that there was a parking prob'em for bures at nresent- and he was second tc

nane in realising the need for a bus stand- . "Sending letters is getting _ a bit of a habit with us, but if it expresses our point of view I suppose there is no harm in it," Mr. Herhng said iater when the question ti whether the views of the association on the subject should be conveyed to the Levin Borough

Council. After much discussion it was resolved that a letter be sent to the council opposing the suggestion of a transfer of the land to the R.S.A, in view of the expense already involved in the area and because such building so close to the railway line would restrict the view. Also, to point out the need for the reservation of land si near the town for possible later expansion of commereial buddings and the fact that the trees planted there at present had a sentimental value to the children who had planted them. Here are some of the views expressed 'by members before the decision was reached. Mr. L. E. Bowden: Would like to see the area turned into a car park or buS stand. The Mayor, he said, wanted it to be a rose garden with 1 gas rings installed for picnics. Gas I rings and greatly needed men's and ladies' conveniences would be much

better placed m the garaens jusi opposite. He considered that 400 car-s could be parked in the triangle if it was properly laid out, while it would also make a good bus stand. Mr. W. Seddon: Believed it should be left for beautification. Area was too far away from. conveniences to be of any use as a bus stand. At present the general effect of the Methodist Church, PubHc Gardens, tree lined road and triangle presented the most beautiful outlook in the town, and it should be preserved. He could not understand the Mayor in wanting to give it away. Levin should be proud of the area. Mr. H. Rippin (chairman) : Triangle would have conveniences and tea rooms provided if the area was a bus stand. There would be no need for passengers to go down town. Mr. F. Groot: Leave it as it is. !He could envisage the trees planted by the children being taken away. Levin should look a great ■fdistanee ahead when all this area, •even perhaps the gardens, might be needed for commereial expansion.