CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 133, 8 June 1939, Page 5

CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL

PETONE FORESHORE

WORK ON FOUNDATIONS

The work of preparing tor the laying of the foundations of the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial on Petone beach is proceeding apace. A barrier has been erected around the site on the esplanade at the southern end of Buick Street, and men are engaged in digging out the sand in preparation for the concrete work.

The surrounding improvements are well in hand. On the western side the low protective wall is practically completed. To the east a further 60yds or so of boxing is in position ready for the cement. Large plots of grass have been prepared on each side of the memorial, giving a rough idea of the finished layout.

There have been two noteworthy amendments to the original plans, and one of them necessitates the expenditure of a further £400. This is the placing underground of the electric light and power connections. It is felt that a visible connection would tend to spoil the beauty of the completed memorial. Another amendment is the provision of a substantial sea wall round the southern side of the memorial. This is to extend well out in a bay, and will enable a promenade to be made round the building. The original plans provided for a small flight of steps leading down to the beach.

At present the water and drainage connections are being laid. This necessitates the partial obstruction of the esplanade, as a trench has had to be dug to a point in Buick Street.