LATIMER lONIC PILLARS SHAM

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31089, 18 June 1966, Page 19

LATIMER lONIC PILLARS SHAM

The authenticity of the six massive lonian pillars, which have dominated the front of the Latimer Hall for 72 years, is- only as deep as the sand

and plaster that coats their wooden skeletons. The belief that they may be genuine has resulted in a serious inquiry to buy them before the hall is demolished. But in his book, “Cheerful Yesterdays,” Mr Justice Alpers revealed that they were sham in spite of their convincing appearance. In a chapter about the builder, the notorious Arthur Bentley Worthington, and the Temple of Truth, Mr Justice Alpers said he tested the pillars and found they were hollow inside and made of wood. While the surface paint was still wet, coarse sand was blown on to them. The inquiry has been one of many received by the Y.W.CA. since it was advertised that all the saleable fittings at the hall were open to offer. Other structural components, including the main floor, doors, hand rails and kauri planks, have been sold. The general secretary (Mrs F. W. Gunzksaid that fittings had so farWealised several hundred pounds.