SIGN OF THE KIWI

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26185, 8 August 1950, Page 6

SIGN OF THE KIWI

Altered Plan For Rebuilding DISCUSSION BY CITY COUNCIL The plan originally submitted by Mr J. G. Collins tor additions and alterations to the Sign of the Kiwi was rejected by the City Council last evening. The architect was instructed to complete drawings and call tenders tor the worn, the use of materials from the Sign of the Bellbird to be specified, on plans prepared by the City Engineer (Mr E. Somers). After discussions with Crs. W. P. Glue, J. E. Ta.t and G. D. Griffiths, Mr Somers produced an amended plan, i the main reduction being in the living ■ quarters, which were considered tooj large in relation to the tea rooms. The, City Engineer’s estimate tor the work | was £5400, only £lOO lower than that given by Mr Collins. The estimate was made “with no great confidence.” and was on a higher basis than Mr Collins’s estimate.

The amended plan provided for a reduction of 274 square feet, said Cr. Griffiths. It would not be so expensive to carry out as the original plan, which the council had no justification in adopting. A lot of money was spent on the Sign of the Takahe; there, the original plan might have been cast aside and the work done in every-day materials. He suggested that that should be done with the Sign of the Kiwi. He moved that the City Engineer’s plan be adopted. The amendment was seconded by Cr. Glue, who doubted whether the council should spend £7OOO on building another tea room. If a “pub” was proposed, he would be in favour. Councillors: Oh! Cr. Glue: I mean it. We are making only a pittance from the Sign of the Takahe. The difference in cost, between our plans and Mr Collins’s is likely tn be not £lOO but £6OO. Cr. G. Manning said the residents of Fendalton and Cashmere would use the facilities provided by the citizens of Christchurch. Cr. J. E. Tait: You mean the democratic suburb?

Those who advocated amalgamation proposed amenities for future generations, said Cr. Manning. The council had a duty to perform, regardless of the reactionaries, to provide the amenities and improve the city. The council would have to look again at the question of providing amenities. He supported a plan which gave the most efficiency at the lowest cost. Distinctive Building Suggested The city, with difficulty, hsd gone ahead with the Sign of the Takahe, of which it was now proud, said Cr. A. R. Guthrey. The Sign of the Kiwi should be built distinctively, so that it would be remembered by visitors from Riccarton and from England. Reasonable and adequate—even attractive accom-modation-should be provided to attract persons who would give the best service. An alteration to Mr Collins’s plan provided that there should be no bay window overlooking Governor’s Bay. The council should spend the maximum amount for what was required. Strongly opposing, the amendment, Cr. .J. N. Clarke (chairman of the reserves committee) said that the outside aress would eventually come into the city. “When the reactionaries are dead,” interjected Cr. Manning. “That is why we are in favour of spending another £100,” continued Cr. Clarke. The architect had assured him that the work could be done for the amount estimated.

“This will cost you a lot of money,” said Cr. Tait. As one who knew about stone work, he could say there was difficulty in accepting the estimates. The council should not be led away by the difference of £lOO in the estimates. By the alteration to the plan, the council would save £ 1000. The council had £3849 in the “kitty” to pay for the job. All that was necessary was for the council to do ths right thing by providing a decent, comfortable building to cope with the trade “up there.” Cr. M. McLean said the buildings on the hills should have the character envisaged by “old Ell.” On Cr. Griffiths agreeing to a bay window looking east being provided, the amendment was adopted.