WINTER SHOW

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12620, 3 December 1926, Page 3

WINTER SHOW

PROPOSED NEW BUILDING DISPUTE OVER LEASE LEGISLATION EXPECTED The proposal of the AVellington Winter Show Association to erect a new show building was received at the City Council last night, when the finance committee reported that it had reoeiyad a deputation from the Wellington Winter Show Association regarding the possibility of leasing portion of the town belt at Hutcheson road for the erection of a winter show building. It recommended that a fortytwo years’ lease be granted on terms and conditions to be arranged, subject to the cancellation if legislation is passed authorising the use of this area for the purpose required. Councillor R.' McKeen said lie thought tho Winter Show Association was ill-advised to again approach the council on this matter: as the only safe and proper method was to wait till legislation were secured. He sympathised with the association, hut if a 42 years’ lease were granted he foresaw trouble before long. He moved that the clause be referred back to the committee. Councillor J. Glover moved that the clause be referred hack, and said be found it hard to understand the attitude of the council. At a recent meeting it had been decided nothing should he done till legislation could be secured. Councillor Luckie: Provision is made for that. Councillor Glover: I have not seen the provision. Councillor Meadowcroft seconded. Councillor R. Semple said he was not going to sacrifice a principle for feeling, and supported the resolution, declaring it wrong to grant a lease to a private concern of a portion of the town belt. ' “A GREAT ASSET.” The Mayor said he was opposed to the lease at first, but he was so sure of the legislation now that he favoured the lease, as the city would have a great asset. Councillor McKeen: What if the Government refuses the legislation? *The Mayor: The Government has never denied us anything that is reasonable and proper. Councillor W. H. Bennett said there was a danger that if the lease stood over for 12 months the good money market and favourable conditions would have been lost to the association. The city would be no worse off under the lease. Councillor Semple said the council had no right to give to anyone a straight-out lease of the town belt. Councillor McKeen’s amendment was lost, and Councillor G. A. Troup moved to add the words after the recommendation “and subject to the conditions previously drawn up by the city solicitor.” This was agreed to, Councillor McKeen recording his emphatic protest against.