Gordeus add charm to the workaday world L W MODERN FACTORIES IN CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31289, 8 February 1967, Page 9

Gordeus add charm to the workaday world L W MODERN FACTORIES IN CHRISTCHURCH

Sanitarium Health Food Co. From two entrances in Harewood Road and Chapel Street, a drive sweeps past immaculate lawns and borders and is crossed by a delightful little stream, complete with rustic bridge and flanked by a stone-flagged fountain. An ideal setting for bridal groups and a "must’' for thousands of garden-loving sightseers each year, the grounds of the Sanitarium Health Food Co. cover an area of nearly two acres and is the pride and Joy of two full-time gardeners. This garden won the premier award in “A” section last year and has achieved the honour again this year.

Stevenson and Son The thousands of motorists, cyclists, bus passengers and residents on and in the vicinity of Ferry Road must have observed with interest the development of the gardens now so well established in front of the handsome modern factory of Stevenson & Son, 327-329 Ferry Road. From a somewhat drab and uninteresting piece of land it has become a beautiful garden many a housemaker would be proud to call his own. Meticulously kept in order throughout the seasons, it is an indication of the standard of excellence and scrupulous care one finds throughout the huge bakery in the sparkling white building it enchances—a perfect garden for the famous Stevenson’s Square Pies, tasty snack of homemakers, office, factory workers, sportsmen and spectators, not only in Christchurch but in all parts of the South Island, even as far afield as Nelson. This is the first entry in the Factory Gardens Competition and they are to be congratulated.

Associated British Cables Ltd. The gardens of Associated British Cables Limited reflect pride of ownership, and the pleasure to be derived from a well-kept garden, whether it be a gracious surround for home or The beautifully laid out grounds are a tribute to G. Blakeway, who was the full-time gardener for Associated British Cables until his retirement last year. Now under the care of C. T. B. Smith, the standard of perfection is maintained, giving pleasure to the employees and a glimpse of the lighter side of the business world to visitors and passers by. Each passing year brings this firm into a closer association with the domestic and industrial expansion of New Zealand. The garden is typical of the unsurpassed standards maintained at A.8.C., where continuous quality control is associated with the employment of the most modern methods, ideas, techniques and materials.

Marathon Rubber Footwear Ltd. The concept of this beautiful garden as a surrounding for his employees was that of the late Mr George Skellerup, founder of Marathon Rubber Footwear, original member of the Christchurch Horticultural Society and an active committee man for many years. He took great pride in the well-tended lawns, the magnificent roses and wide variety of flowers and shrubs which give pleasure and are enjoyed during staff tea and lunch breaks to this day. The photograph above shows a lunch-time scene. It is another aspect of an ever-expanding business, recognised as important by the present management.

'Canterbury' Lane, Walker, Rudkin, The landscaped surroundings of the light and airy factory and office building of “Canterbury” Lane, Walker, Rudkin, 32 Montreal Street, make a fitting background for the high quality merchandise this firm manufactures under a wide range of labels. This is a garden with an appeal for the men and women of the staff of this firm. The pleasing silhouette of many shrubs soften the sharper lines of the appealing and airy buildings and these, in turn, are set off by colourful beds of gay annuals arranged about the well-tended lawns. The impact on any visitor is pleasing, while for the staff, these attractive garden surrounds provide a constant source of enjoyment during their comings and goings through the day. The gardener receives many expressions of appreciation from the staff, who enjoy the relaxation and diversion they offer during the lunch hours and tea breaks—indeed, these gardens were planned for the refreshment of spirit for the large number of employees in all departments of “Canterbury” Lane, Walker, Rudkin, Ltd. The result enchances the whole neighbourhood.

Carpet Manufacturing Riccarton “THE HOME OF RICCARTON CARPET,” FELT AND TEXTILES OF N.Z. LTD., Axminster and Wilton factory is situated in Athol terrace, Upper Riccarton. The factory garden covers an area of approximately three and a half acres and typifies the modern trend to pleasant and restful surroundings. The garden is maintained by one full-time gardener and a large number of the bedding plants are raised by the gardener himself in the factory glasshouse. Laid out in an attractive suburban setting, this factory garden is remarked on by the hundreds of visitors who visit the carpet factory each year.