“HOLLY LEA”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8348, 7 February 1913, Page 9

“HOLLY LEA”

LIFE TENANCY SURRENDERED BY MRS PHILLIPS. PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE FOR GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE. ■ Special to the “ Times.” CHRISTCHURCH, February 61 “Holly Lea,” the magnificent residence of the late Mr Allan McLean, in Manchester street North, has reverted to the Board of Governors of the McLean Institute, as Mrs Phillips, who held a life tenancy in it, has surrendered her tenancy. What to do with the big building is a problem. The Mayor states that no settlement has been come , to. “Quamby,” a largo residence at Fendalton, was acquired hy the board some time ago for the purposes of the trust, and is now fulfiling all the requirements of a home for gentlewomen, as Mr McLean directed In his will. ' “Holly Lea" would be far too big for the purpose, and its disposition may he a hard matter for the board to decide on. It was suggested to a reporter today by a prominent business man that the time was opportune to secure a vice-regal residence in Christchurch, and it might he that “Holly Lea” would meet the purpose if the State could be induced to. take the matter up. The building stands in four acres of very pretty grounds between Colombo and Manchester streets, find consists of about thirty six rooms in suites. It is also very finely furnished. The board values the property at about £20,000 in round figures, and it is suggested that if the board were willing to consider the proposition some effort should be made locally, possibly in the form of financial assistance, to Induce the Government to establish a Governor’s residence in the South Island. Already Auckland has its Government House,, but it is maintained that “Holly Lea” is a much finer property than either of the Gobernment Houses at Wellington or Auckland, One or two citizens spoken to were very much impressed with the suggestion, and it was remarked that it was a reproach that the Governor on visiting Christchurch should have to accept private hospitality.