AUCKLAND GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1522, 19 August 1912, Page 7

AUCKLAND GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

' ' ANOTHER CONTHOVEKSY. (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Auckland, August 18. Another controversy has arisen in connection with Government House, Auckland, and a site for (ho new University College Owing to' tho recent death of Lady Campbell, the late, residence of Sir John. Campbell, on.Campbell Point, Parnell, becomes the property of Sir John Ca»\pbcH's daughter, Mrs. Murray, now resident in England. Tho Mayor (Mi. C. J. Parr) has suggested that it (might bo possible, as well as advisable, to ncquiro tho resilience "Kilbryde" for the purposes of a Government House, thus freeing tho present Government Houso for university purposes. Against this proposal (lie "Herald" is in strong opposition, it states: Popular feeling in tho matter was clearly demonstrated a short time ago when the Continuous Government commenced tho dismantling of the gubernatorial residence and proposed to obtain a cheap nnd unsuitailo university sit© at tho expenso of the Auckland public. We have since had a proposal to dedicate the metropolitan grounds to university purposes, and this alone' has delayed tho satisfactory settlement of the "question. Tho Minister for Education (Mr, 1 James Allen) may, without hesitation. > decide as to what shall bo done provided only no encroachment is mado upon Government Houso or tho contiguous grounds. Mr, Allen should not bo misled by the arguments advanced by thos-e who aro eager to securo that silo, for they have been hoard for years in. tin's city and have absolutely failed to convince tlio public. Even were the site a desirable one front' the point of view of (rue. and permanent university education it would be steadily opposed by all who aro not indifferent to the historical associations and traditions of Auckland, nnd who take a comprehensive, view of civil life. Incidentally if may bo remarked that tho suggestion, of Mr. Parr that "Kilbryde" should be secured for a Governor's residence, leaving Government House for tho university, need not bo taken seriously. Nobody could expect Parliament to vote money for such a purpose without Christ-, church nnd Duncdin having something to say. Tho certain outcomo would lw that ■Wellington would be, mado tlio solo official home of tho Governor. "Kilbrvdo" would make as fino a suburban park ns Point Erin, but it is nierely confusing tho question to suggest it as an exehaitge for Government House and (o discuss the suggestion only assists the attempt to, filch Government House from (he city