DR STUART’S STATUE.

Evening Star, Issue 10783, 18 November 1898, Page 4

DR STUART’S STATUE.

TO THE KDITOK. Sir, —Your correspondent of the 9th, ‘Townsman, - ’ is evidently a shrewd man. The fa (ilia he points out >v. the lamps I have noticed myself, as many others have. That the lamps are merely an experiment of the Council to discover the most tasteful it vie of illuminating the statue did not occur to me ; I thought them permanent. But “ Townsman’s” discovery of the subtle working of the ruling mind has set me right. It must be an experiment. In matters of beauty and harmony, as in ■neater things, experiments are no doubt necessary. With gratitude, lam sure, the ratepayers will hear of their representatives’ anxiety to obtain the most pleasing effect iu their public undertaking. You might, vir, exclaim ; But consider the expense ! [ would beg of you, sir, to rtfbcfc upon the amount of judgment involved in the task, aud waive sordid consideration.

The monument, seen at a distance, with its four lamp-posts and railing, looks to me remarkably like an old-fashioned four-post bedstead with a figure perched ou high in the centre thereof. “ Townsman ” suggests shorter lamp-posts of less ancient design, with bold globes, etc. That is very well; but it lacks, I think, originality. I would humbly suggest to the Council that the four lamp-posts, representing the four bed-posts, be cut down to the level of the railing, representing the body of the bed, and that one lamp should project from the centre of the figure’s shoulders, reaching above the back of the head. Over it I would fix a reflector of the size and shape of an umbrella. This would not only serve to illuminate the graceful pose of the figure I et or than the present plan, but would also protect it in rainy weather (an important thing in itself). In addition to this, the novelty of design would be an attraction. And, indeed, if it were tastefully constructed—say, with embroidered fringe hanging from the edge of the umbrella-like reflector, and the New Zealand flag placed on the spire which would project from the top—it would be an ornament to the City, whereas the present is an abomination. I do not expect any credit for this idea. I present it to the Council in a patriotic spirit. Their aitistio eye, no doubt, will catch at the picture. la the meantime, however, I await with curio sity the next experiment, whatever it mav be, fori cannot think but that the presttfc one is an outrage on all order and harmonj | The designer would seem utterly devoid o all sense of proportion. The statue itself is remarkable chiefly for the obtrusive—even aggressive—prominence of legs and feet. This fact asserts itself as though it were the prime consideration—the centre of interest. The representation, too, of a figure sitting out in the open on a chair ia not only unfaithful but an absurdity, and now the famous lamps add to the wretched incongruity of the whole thing. It is dreadful. What will the artistic stranger think of us? Regarding the Council’s effort at public beautification, it would not be amiss to touch, en pawant, on the subject of the Triangle reserve, also spoken of by your correspondents. An order has gone forth that no one be allowed on the grass. Do you think this is what “ Townsman ” would call another experiment ? Has the aldermanic genius this time flown in the direction of commercial enterprise ? There can be no doubt of it thrift, sir, is the object. The sagacious mind has beheld profit in the growing grass. Thrift is a fine thing. This will soothe the disappointed

mothers, children, and nurses, and reconcile them to the wisdom that restricts recreation to the bard asphalt and neighboring street*; at the same time it will correct their little mistake that the reserve was formed for their use.—l am, e‘c., Athcs. Dunedin, November 15. MORNING TON BOROUGH SCAVENC GERING. TO THE EDITOR. Sm, —The manner iu which the contract for the above is being carried out by the present contractor cannot be too strongly condemned. Proof of this is to be found in the numerous complaints forwarded to the Council, and the fact of engaging outside labor to make good the contractor’s laches is no excuse for not at ouee determining the contract. How the Council ever allowed it to go to the present contractor is, to say the least, a mystery. One, and oulv one, councillor (Mr Clarke) protested at the time, and the same is recorded on the Council's minutes, as to giving the contract to the present holder, thereby showing his good sense and watchfulness over the ratepayers’ interests. Seeing" this gentleman is aspiring to the office of mayor for the ensuing year, it is to be hoped" the ratepayers will show their confidence in and their appreciation of past service by electing him thereto ; more especially as' this is mn the first instance in which Mr Clarke has fought single-handed in their interests. —I am, etc.. Ratepayer. Mornington, November 16.