TRIBUTE TO MR H. G. ELL

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21461, 1 May 1935, Page 12

TRIBUTE TO MR H. G. ELL

ACTIVITIES OF TRUST REVIEWED

CONSTRUCTION OF SUMMIT ROAD A tribute to the work of Mr H. G. Ell on the Summit road is paid in the annual report of the Port Hills-Akaroa Summit Road Public Trust (Incorporated), which was adopted last evening. The report gives full details of the activities of the trust during the last year.

The report stated:— "Any mention of the Summit road would be incomplete without reference to the iate Mr H. G. Ell, who was universally recognised as the moving spirit behind all the work that has been done in obtaining for the people of Canterbury the wonderful asset they have in the roads and tracks on the Port Hills. His death leaves a gap not easily tilled, but though he did not live to see all his ideas come to fruition, his work was sufficiently far advanced for those who follow him to continue it in the manner he would have wished. His aims are set out in the constitution of this trust., and it is for the people of Christchurch and the surrounding districts to see that they preserve as a heritage for all time the things for which he worked. It was his wish, as well as that of his family that the Sign of the Takahe being the gateway to the hills, should be completed in commemoration of his life's work. itcad Construction "The construction of the Summit road between Evans Pass and Cebbie's Pass is fairly well on the way to completion, though a considerable amount of work remains to be done in the way of making if satisfactory for traffic. From G'ebbie's Pass to the Sign of the Bellbird at Kennedy's Bush it was constructed by relief workers under the supervision of the Public Works Department. Nothing more than the bare formation was done, however, and, having never been metalled, this section of the road is not fit for vehicular traffic. The same applies to the stretch of road between the Sign of the Kiwi and Evans Pass, which is now nearing completion. A considerable amount of money has been spent on the construction of these roads, and it is unthinkable that it should be wasted through the road not being made fit for use. The trustees do not see how. in the circumstances of the trust, they can spend any money on the road, and accordingly approached the Main Highways Board v/ith the request, that it take over the work of metalling and maintaining the whole of the road. An unfavourable reply was received, but the matter has been taken up by the local branch of the Town Planning Institute, backed by the Canterbury Automobile Association, this trust, and other interested bodies, and it is hoped that the road will be declared a highway and the public of Canterbury "be enabled to enjoy v/hat is undoubtedly one of the finest scenic roads in New Zealand.

"The section from 'The Sign of the Kiwi' to 'The Sign of the Bellbird' has been maintained by this trust, and is in fairly good order. The road from Cashmere to the Kiwi, which is under the control of the Heathcote County Council, has recently been, tar-sealed, and is now in excellent condition. "Realising; that the collection of toils on the Summit road was a source of considerable annoyance to a large number of people,, and was to a certain extent preventing them from journeying more than a short way from the Kiwi the trustees have abolished the collection of tolls. "The track:; formed by the trust in. the past are generally' in good order, though requiring a little attention ir. parts. Work is now being done or; Ella's track, and the matter of carinp: for the others.will receive the early cona.deraticn of the trustees. •ilgn of the Takahc "The Sign of the Takahe, is the most important of the trust's assels, and the one requiring the most attention. If is at present in an unfinished state, requiring a very great amount of work before it is completed. The building and its furnishings and decorations are unique, bringing to New Zealand, the architecture and craftsmanship of the very early English type, when the product of the hand produced pictures in stone and wood that are far removed from the mass production building of today. It will be readily understood, however, that constructions of this nature are not completed in a day. Plans and diagrams of the finished building have been prepared by Mr J. G. Collins, showing that when completed the building will be a most imposing structure both inside and out. The trust's sincere thanks are due to Mr Collins for his very great assistance in this matter. "It is the intention of the trustee:; to have the portion of Cracrol't Hill now enclosed by the stone wall laid out as an old English, garden, and the assistance of the parks and reserve;:; department of the Christchurch City Council has been promised in this respect. "The trustees wisii to place on record their appreciation of the assistance they have received from all who nave been engaged on the work at the Takahe. Every man employed thenhas given of his best and has shown an interest and enthusiasm for the work which is, to say the least, exceedingly gratifying. They have recently been instrumental in raising money urgently required for the purchase of material necessary in the construction of the building, and are planning to continue their efforts in this connexion. "The trustees also wish to express their thanks to the many citizens who

have given money and material for the building. They will, it is hoped, be rewarded by the thought that they are assisting; in the construction of what will, fox many years to come, be a beauty spot without equal in New Zealand. The. board is progressing as I quickly as passible with.the work of ! providing a new entrance in the front I of the building, which it hopes will increase the number of visitors and in turn the revenue of the trust. "During the year it was found desirable to apply to the Mortgagors' Relief Commission for relief in respect of the liability on the Takahe, and we are pleased to- say that the commission's report was such that the board is being materially assisted in its endeavours to meet its liabilities. "The Sign of the Kiwi continues to be popular and well patronised. The board is carrying out sundry small repairs and is having the approach improved and the northern slope planted, which it thinks will materially improve its appearance. Owing to the large number of motorists difficulty has been experienced in the matter of parking at this spot, but the Heathcote County Council has taken the matter in hand, and it is hoped that the trouble will shortly be overcome.

"Worsley Cottage stands on about six acres of land, purchased from the estate of the late Sir J. C. Wilson, and was erected by.Mr H. G. Ell as a residence for the tollgate-keeper. As it is not now required for that purpose, the trustees are considering the best use to which it can be put. The building is in fair order, but requires certain small improvements before it can be occupied. "The Sign of the Bellbird, at Kennedy's Bush, is fairly well patronised, and it is expected will be more so when the road is improved. Gorse has obtained a hold in portions of the Kennedy's ESueh Reserve, but is being cleared to enable shelter belts to be planted to preserve the native flora. For Trampers "The Sign of the Packhorse at present is unoccupied and available for the use of trampers and others. It is hoped to secure the assistance of the various tramping clubs in helping to maintain a building of this nature. The reserves are leased and the trustees are hoping to obtain as a reserve a further, area adjoining them. "Generally speaking, though the public of Christchurch is interested in the development of the hills, it has not, as a whole, shown its interest in any very active manner in the past. A number have done so, and to these the very deepest thanks of the community are due, and we feel sure that if the citizens were to realise the wonderful assets that are being created there for them, they would assist in the work to a much greater extent than has been the case in the past. The annual subscription is small and it is hoped that the public as a whole will become subscribing members. of the trust, and thus take, an active interest in their own property. "The work which has been carried on would have been impossible, but for the assistance of the Unemployment Board, to whose officers we wish to express our appreciation of the courtesies they have extended to us. "It is gratifying to be able to state that we have been assisted in every possible way by the Christchurch City Council and the Heathcote County Council and other local bodies and organisations, and we wish to record our thanks for what they have done. Representatives of the City Council and the .Heathcote County Council were appointed to the board during the year, and have been very helpful in dealing with the various matters that have arisen from time to time." The report was adopted.