MONUMENT IDEAS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28799, 21 January 1959, Page 10

MONUMENT IDEAS

Local Bodies To Decide

The Memorial Highway Committee met yesterday primarily to hold further discussions on some form of monument. The proposals, for which it will submit drawings and estimated costs to local bodies are:— (1) The “twin fins’’ for which drawing and a model were earlier submitted by Mr Miles Warren, a Christchurch architect. (2) A new scheme submitted by Mr Anthony G. Lester for shields, bearing the symbols of the armed services, to be attached to the cross arms of all lamp standards, or two at each end. (3) A plan from the reserves department of the City Council to place, at each end, a sloping plaque enclosed by a low stone wall and shrubs, with paving in front.

(4) The suggestion made to the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce for a roundabout containing a fountain or some similar feature at the intersection of the avenue and Russley road. Although some opposition to the “twin fins” has been expressed on the committee, this scheme will be considered “still in’’ for consideration by local bodies. Mr Lester submitted his scheme for shields on the understanding that nothing else had yet met with the committee’s approval. He said the metal shields would break up the somewhat gaunt appearance of the lamp standards and brace the arms, be fully symbolic yet simple, and have the advantage of easy repetition of composite castings. As an alternative to the single design embodying the .symbols .of all segvices, crest of each could .be placed in turn on succeeding standards. If the idea of a shted on every standard did not appeal, one could be erected at each end of the avenue.

The reserves department proposal, tabled by Mr H. G. Gilpin, suggested 3ft plaques ot surrounds of<. granite, and half rounds of paving .in front, with shrubs as & backdrop. ■ Mr pin said ft was estimated that each of the two units would cost about £500; bit they cquld .be modified. z Reundatant Sugguted The Chamber of Commerce wrote that “there, should be a more dignified and more solid acknowledgement of the Memorial avenue • aspect than a plaque.’’ Some form of memorial should be erected and one suggestion was the roundabout containing some permanent- feature such as an air-activated fountain, Ut The Returned Services* Association considered that some suitable monument—“striking, simple, but not* too costly’;’— was desirable. Without such a memorial, the new highway would (after a few years) become just another avenue,” the letter said. Members of the committee saw a good deal of merit in Mr Lester’s scheme; but said the idea of a shield on every one of the 200 lamp standards would be too ambitious. His designs might be used on standards at either end or embodied in the reserve department’s plaque design. "That's more in line with what we want,' * said. Mr A. R. Blank, when the latter scheme was mentioned. There was some feeling that the roundabout was not warranted at a simple two-road intersection and that it would destroy the open straight sweep from the airport gates to the Fendalton corner.

When there was a suggestion that the full original Memorial Highway Committee be called together to discuss the designs, members at first seemed glad of extra help in the choice; but then agreed that it should be made by the “executive” (present members) , who represent 1 contributing local bodies.

City Council Share Mr H. S. Feast then repeated the view he had expressed at the outset that no member could commit his council on the incomplete information at present available. He suggested that the groups who had submitted plans be asked to develop them, obtain costs, and that all this material should be submitted to the local bodies, who could then instruct their representatives.

Mr M. A. Connelly, M.P, said the City Council would contribute 70 to 75 per cent, of the funds. The outside figure councillors had in mind at present for a memorial was £2OO so that total cost would need, to be about £3OO. If something more ambitious was, planned (as indicated in the new scheme), local bodies should be consulted.

Mr Blank said he understood there would be some surplus when the avenue vias completed and that could be applied to the monument.

The chairman (Mr W. W. Laingl said there would be a surplus, but Loans Board approval for any diversion of funds wiuld be required and such an application would not be considered until a specific plan was available. It: was agreed to consult local bodies 'about the. various schemes and, when; one is chosen, to consider using any surplus funds to subsidise it