The Summit Road.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18918, 5 February 1927, Page 14

The Summit Road.

Owing mainly to the untiring zeal of Mr H. G. Ell, but in a large measure also to the generous assistance of publicspirited citizens, the road over the Cashmere Hills has become one of the pleasantcst possessions of Christchurch people. .Scores of thousands of people love the road from the " Takahe " to the " Kiwi " and beyond, and have for years enjoyed the rest-houses and the adjoining reserves. But as everyone knows, and regrets, the " Takahe " resthouse is very far from complete. An effort is to be made to complete this building, which is an admirable thing so far as it hns gone, and later to develop the wonderfully placed Cracroft Hill. The trustees of the Port HillsAkaroa Summit Road Public Trust have decided to carry on and enlarge the work of Mr at this, the City end of the mountain road, and their first objective is the raising of £3OOO to complete the "Takahe" building. When this building is completed, it will be a striking and charming decoration of the landscape, and will become one of the most popular resorts near the City. The trustees, of whom Mr Wm. Reece is chairman, and other members Colonel Studholme, Mr W. T. Charlcwood, Mr G. T. Weston, Mr L: G. D. Acland, and Mr'S. G. Raymond, have opened the subscription list with a contribution of £2OO. We are sure that the public will be glad to co-operate with the trustees and to find the required sum.- Already, of course, money has been subscribed by some generous citizens approximately £IOOO but there still remains on the building and reserve n mortgage of £4OOO. It is expected that when the "Takahe" building is completed, the increased revenue will the trustees gradually to liquidate the mortgage. Although thousands of people love to go as far as the "Takahe" on fine days and especially on fine Sundays, but leave/ to the more active the pleasures of the walk to the " Kiwi" and beyond, contenting themselves with the wonderful view of mountain, plain, and sea which one gets from Cracroft Hill, not many of them know that the Hill reserve of seven acres is public property held by the Trust. In time, of course, this beautiful hill look-out will bo improved, and a future generation will cherish it as something which few cities in the world possess—a lofty pleasure-ground, providing a thrilling view, within a short distance of the centre of the City. Everything that can be done to complete this and the other parts of the Summit road plan ought to be done as soon as possible. The trustees are asking for public subscriptions, and we shall be glad to receive at the office of The PitESS whatever may be subscribed by the wellwishers of as pleasant a project as has ever been designed.