THE QUEEN'S STATUE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 798, 22 April 1910, Page 7

THE QUEEN'S STATUE.

;.'■.'. TO BE REMOVED. AN OBSTRUCTION TO TRAFFIC. , . The open-air pulpit of the Socialists, and, to a "less, extent of, Parliamentarians, evangelists, and others—in other words, Queen Victoria's statue—is threatened with a sort of policeman-like order to "move on." At last night's meeting of the City Council, Councillor Fletcher moved:— •■.'..

That in view of the decision of the council to wood-block the triangle in' front of the General Post Office, it is desirable,.and the time is opportune, to move the Queen's statue to a more suitable place, and that the city engineer bo asked to report on the best eite.

The mover 1 said the statue had-been froni .the first an eyesore and an obstruction to traffic. He did not profess to be a judge of ait, but he .would say that the statue did not appeal to him, and it hardly seemed to %e: consistent .with respect for the late Queen to leave it" in its present place. It was in a filthy condition. Councillor Trevor seconded the motion; The Post Office Square would soon be the central tramway. station, and the, statue would be still more in the way. It should be put under cover, in the band rotunda, or some other place—he did not care where.

Councillor Devine said he objected to the flippancy with which tho question had been treated. They should get a report from a responsible officer as to whether the statue' really obstructed traffic. He was surprised to hoar Councillor Fletcher,: trying to take away the only place where democracy could air its political and social views; Councillors Cohen, Frost, and Fitzgerald supported the motion on the ground that the statue was an obstruction to traffic. :

' The Mayor remarked that the city engineer wanted the statue moved. Councillor Ballinger suggested that the statue should be placed on , the pavement in front of the Municipal Library in. Victoria Street. ' The Mayor said that when he and the city engineer interviewed the Prime Minister in connection, with the proposed improvement of Museum Street Mr. Morton .suggested that the statue should be in the Parliamentary grounds overlooking Lambton Quay. Thb Prime Minister seemed to approve of the idea.

Councillor Fletcher said it was his respect for tlie late Queen that caused him to wish for tho removal of tho statue from its present unsuitable position. .■■'■'_ Tho motion was carried on the voices.