"Gin signs next"

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33383, 15 November 1973, Page 14

" Gin signs next"

An Akaroa sign is promising to take its place in history with the flagpole incident at Russell,

The sign, erected by the Akaroa Civic Trust, stands on the side of the main road, half-way down the hill leading into Akaroa. Yesterday it was covered in red paint by Mr W. E. Moore, who has lived in Akaroa for 16 years and who is now retired, after working as a fisherman, nurseryman, and Christ’s College master, PRIOR NOTICE Mr Moore said that three weeks ago he wrote to the chairman of the trust (Mr G. E. Brasell), saying that he was going to paint the sign red as a protest. Mr Brasell offered no objection, but asked him to wait until the next committee meeting, which was last week-end, said Mr Moore. “I still have not heard from him, but I expect to soon.” The wording on the sign was — “Akaroa, a new concept in town planning. Erected by the Akaroa Civic Trust” — accompanied by a shield bearing fleur delis. Mr Moore painted out the shield and most of the wording, leaving only “Erected by the Akaroa Civic Trust.” The sign had been cut

down once. Who did it was an Akaroa secret, "but it wasn’t me,” said Mr Moore. Trust members put it up again. It was then splashed with blue paint, which trust members wiped off. So far he had had two offers to pay his fines, should any be imposed. A third offer to pay a fine had been changed to one of paying for the paint used. “I love Akaroa and I love the road leading down to it,” said Mr Moore. “When I first saw the advertisement halfway down the hill I was horrified. “As a boy 60 years ago I knew the country-lovers were

trying to get rid of hoardings on country roads. The Akaroa Civic Trust claims to be preserving the amenities o,f Akaroa and it is incomprehensible that it should be the first to erect a hoarding.” Mr Moore said that one would lead to another. If the trust could get away with it, hotels and motels, garages and oil companies, soft-drink and gin manufacturers could erect hoardings, until there was a chain of them from the top to the bottom of the hill. Officers of the trust said last evening that no comment would be made on the incident until they had had a chance to discuss it.