STRIKING FIGURE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 152, 29 June 1936, Page 9

STRIKING FIGURE.

GATEWAY TO DOMAIN.

SYMBOLIC OF ATHLETICS.

AUCKLAND SCULPTOR'S WORK

After three months of concentrated effort the crowning work of the sculptor, Mr. R. 0. Gross, on the ornamental stone gateway to the Park Road entrance to the Domain has been revealed. To-day a striking bronze figure, symbolic of athletics and sport generally, towers over the gateway, pointing to the green fields of the Domain on which athletic youth strives for supremacy.

When the scaffolding has been removed and the finishing touches completed the gateway will present a simple but striking spectacle. Grace of movement, rhythm and vitality is incorporated in the statue. The figure is posed on one leg, with one arm-reaching towards the playing fields to urge youth 011 to greater effort and prowess, and also to stir Auckland youth to further conquest on fields afar.

With the uncovering of the statue, the whole character of the presentation gateway has been transformed. Before the figure surmounted the left-hand pylon the gateway considerably lacked character. Now it has been given vitality and life. The figure of the man is in striking contrast to the figure of the swan which adorns the right-hand pylon. The swan typifies bird life of the Dominion.

The gateway is the gift of the late Mr. William Elliot, who provided £10,000 for its erection. Work was started last August and through the months that have passed keen interest has been taken in the work of the sculptor. The gateway is formed by two pylons over 50ft apart. That on the northern side is 32ft high and is surmounted by the figure of the athlete, and the other is 13ft high, carrying a resting swan, typical of wild life.

The figure of the athlete, representing a shot putter in graceful attitude at the end of his throw, weighs well over a ton. A well-known Auckland athlete posed for the sculptor while the model was completed.