Stewart Fountain opened
The Stewart Fountain at the intersection of High and Colombo Streets was blessed and declared open by the turning on of the lights and then the water by the donor, Cr R. H. Stewart, at 6 o’clock last evening. Five minutes after official guests at the ceremony had left for a soiree in the rooms of the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr A. R. Guthrey), rain poured down on the fountain, the city and the test cricket pitch at Lancaster Park.
The fountain continued to play. The speakers were: The Mayor: This is a very special occasion and thanks are due to the architect (Mr P. J. Beaven) for the over-all planning of the scheme; Mr L. Karasek, the sculptor, for the central piece and Mr Stewart Mr Stewart is better known in New Zealand and Christchurch as a leading industrialist but more recently Christchurch has welcomed him as a city councillor. We thank him for his generosity. Mr J. H. Oakley, chairman of the Christchurch Civic
Trust: When I asked Cr Stewart if he knew of a businessman who would be interested in the financing of a fountain project Mr Stewart replied, simply, that he was, as he had been bom and educated in Christchurch, had made his fortune here and felt he owed the city something. Cr Stewart has been very patient, because it is some years ago now since the fountain was mooted. Cr Stewart: It is a great pleasure to me to perform this ceremony. Mr Oakley inspired the project; Mr Beaven gave the concept over-all vis-
ion; Mr Karasek designed the centre-piece. The City Council engineers and the workmen, the electricians have all given great co-op-eration ... it has been a great team effort. The Rev. P. B. Baker, Vicar of St Michael’s: I pray that this fountain will be an oasis of coolness and rest for passers-by to pause and gather strength when going about their business in the heart of the city. The fountain is within the parish of St Michael’s. The Rev. Baker used a censer in his blessing, watched by about 200 spectators.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 1
Word Count
353Stewart Fountain opened Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 1
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