OPENING OF CABLEWAY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31169, 20 September 1966, Page 18

OPENING OF CABLEWAY

Memorial At Aickens The belief that the attitude to life of the late Mr Brian Morrison would be reflected in the use made of the cableway built in his memory across the Otira river at Aitkens was expressed by Mr I). H, Sim, of Wellington, when he formally handed it over to the Arthurs Pass National Park Boerd in Christchurch. Nearly 50 persons, including members of the board, board rangers, Mr Morrison's father, Mr W. G. Morrison, of Wellington, and those associated with the project, attended an informal function in the Lands and Survey Depart ment building. Mr Sim said he was not a believer in granite and marble obelisks as memorials. “If we are to have a memorial, 1 believe it should follow on from the life of a person," he said. The chairman of the board (Mr R. M. Fitzgerald) said the board was most grateful for the gift. The construction of the cableway was indicative of the esteem and affection with which Mr Morrison was held by his friends, and of his character.

He said the cableway would provide an amenity and service for persons with like interests in the mountains.

“The board is conscious of the need for safety in the mountains and this will be a notable contribution towards that. It will serve many people for many years. The board is grateful for its conception and to those who made it a reality,” Mr Fitzgerald said. Mr Morrison was killed in a car accident near Tekapo in 1962. Formerly of Wellington, he was a civil engineer with the Christchurch City Council at the time of his death.