GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN CHRISTCHURCH

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1913, Page 8

GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN CHRISTCHURCH

THE ACQUISITION OF' "HOLLY LEA." (BT MLEGRAPH— SPECIAL TO THE POST.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. "Holly Lea," the residence of "the late Mr. Allan M'Lean, has been mentioned as a suitable Government House for Christchurch, as it is unsuitable for the purposes of the trustees, as directed in Mr. M'Lean's Avill. The proposal made last week created rather more stir in Wellington, the Mayor remarked, than it did in Christchurch. Wellington folk apparently were averse to other centres getting a fair thing in the matter. The .Mayor, who is chairman, of the Board of Governors of the M'£ean Institute, told a reporter that the disposal of " Holly Lea " had been considered by the board, but he was bound to say that tho members generally would be pleased to offer the property for a Government House, and would do so for a reasonable price, accepting Government bonds in lieu of cash. _ He thought that a very strong agitation should be got up in Christchurch in favour of the proposal. Looking at it from any point of view, it was only fair that a Government House should be provided for the South Island, especially as the North Island already had two. "Holly Lea" was an ideal property, suitable in every respect, with large grounds. The furniture was complete in every detail, and the house was ready for immediate occupation. The conservatory was unique, and ripe bananas i and pineapples were growing in it at the present moment. The property was cpite equal to Government House in Wellington. "lam sure the board does not desire to retain the property for the purposes of the trust," Mr. Holland replied to a question on the subject, " but I think the movement should come not from the board but from the citizens."