STATUES FOR INVERCARGILL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1929, Page 8

STATUES FOR INVERCARGILL

PAUL KITCT-J K.NKR AND JI.GLLICOR

Through the generosity of a. weiiknow Inverea-rgi 11 citizen who wishes to remain, for present, at last anonymous, -there wiil he erected in Post Glide sepia re two life-size figures in statuary marble of IKarl Kitchener and Karl dellie.H-. As reported some time previously in a Press Association telegram from Auckland, Mr W. H. Fclclon, well-known sculptor and artist of Auckland, has been given the commission to carve them. anti this work will not he completed for a year or possibly 18 months. In the- meantime however, the pedestals and mountings for the statutes will he erected, and tile materials for these have arrived and are at present in the square. The positions for the statues have been marked out, and it is understood, will he mounted on massive granite steps and will stand in all some 14 feet- high The pedestals alone will therefore be over eight feet in height. The steps are to be axecl grey granite, and the centre block of polished granite. Tile work is estimated to cost from £4030 to £5030. and will add immensely lithe beauty of tbe town as well as acting as a constant reminder of two of Great Britain’s greatest sons.

It was reported from Auckland that tbe chief purpose of the generous gifi was that it might act as an inspiration to the rising generation. The erection of the statues was commenced last olel ion day hut it was found that a permit was necessary. This has been obtained, and it will probably not he long before the pedestals have been set up. When, however, the gentleman who has been generally associated with the gift was interviewed, he refused to make any statement on the matter.

A visitation of caterpillars recently in the Cardiff district, four miles from Stratford, caused a good deal of alarm (says a local correspondent). Then stripped a six-acre paddock of oats and then traversed a strip of pasture without leaving a blade of grass. Thousands of caterpillars swarmed up the oat stems, and the owner was powerless to drive them away. Their pas sage over the pasture was clearly defined by a broad trail of destruction, which was visible from a distance. Neighbours hurriedly communicated with the stock inspector at Stratford who advised the use of a roller as an emergency measure to crush out the pest. 'The same evening the inspector paid a visit to the locality and was led by the farmers to an area of bush nenr■>y, where a large Hock of starlings had arrived and were preparing to nest foi the night. The next morning tin number of birds grew to large proportions, and they conducted an onslaught on the pest. In a very short time the caterpillars were annihilated.