SIGN OF THE TAKAHE

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25608, 24 September 1948, Page 8

SIGN OF THE TAKAHE

RENOVATION NEARLY COMPLETED The Sign of the Takahe, at the Cashmere tram terminus, is almost completed, and next Monday a committee appointed by the City Council will make an official inspection to decide what additional furnishings are required. Some of the original furniture built by craftsmen for the rest house is still intact, and*this will remain in the building. The work now in progress includes interior finishing and laying of floor coverings.

By the time the City Council next meets, it is expected that an opening date will be under consideration.

An application to the Building Controller for permission to enlarge and renovate the Sign of the Kiwi, at the top of Dyer’s Pass, has been made by the City Council. It is also proposed to arrange a suitable water supply so that the tearoom can be reopened. Like the Sign of the Takahe, this building has suffered severely at the hands of vandals. Since it has been unoccupied, windows and other openings have been boarded up; but last Sunday a party of youths wrenched timber down and damaged stone work. Adults remonstrated with the youths, who became abusive.

The Sign of the Bellbird, at Kennedy’s Bush, has been damaged almost beyond repair by vandals. Its reconstruction is. another job which the authorities intend to undertake.

“I am determined to stamp out vandalism.” the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) said yesterday. “I appeal to our honorary wardens and all citizens to assist in catching the culprits. Apart from the rest houses on the hills damage is being done to public property elsewhere. If we catch these vandals we will press for the heaviest penalty possible. I believe the Courts will support our views on these offences.”