RAMBLING NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1929, Page 3

RAMBLING NOTES

One of the gems in architectural wonders is to be found in Christchurch City. It is the notable Provincial Chambers situated oil 1 the Avon in a much frequented part of the city. Rut it is strangely unknown to the folk, as a, whole. It has a remarkable bistorv in that it is tbe work of the pioneers of Canterbury, a remarkable band of men and women who have left their mark on the history of their province and of Westland. For in those days of early establishment, Westland was part of Canterbury, and it is not unfitting at this period of the month of December when the anniversary of the Province of Westland is directly in mind, to make some reference to the Provincial. Chambers of which in point of fact Westland has a share and an interest.

Chance gave this rambler an opportunity if crossing the) threshold of'the Chambers the other day, and finding himself within its portals, interest was aroused at once in the building liecause of a brief knowledge in its existence. Then by good fortune the rambler'' mot the caretaker well and truly versed, in fact saturated, in the full story of the structure,, and from one who . had studied the building and its remarkable interior from every point, there is a fund of information and .knowledge to he gained. Truly has it been said, “there are sermons in stones.'” Here, in this stately Chamber precept and history are recorded,'blinded in beautiful symmetry and colouring, and "awaits but the interpretation and understanding of the enraptured student. The building, it is related, Was first occupied in 1861). If one casts one’s mind back to those days, Christchurch was a very small place; remote from the sea coast; far from the Old Land; yet peopled by a remarkable people whose farsightedness is proven in so many ways and notable speeial-

Jy, an optimistjc, outlook. The archi--1 feet, who ilesjgndG> the. .beautifulistnifC tnre provided a, finished work which to-dav is probably rival in any part of New Zealand. When the rambler tried to visualise all that this ornate inter for conveyed, and to

understand the l ' depth and meaning of the, many symbols so delicately interwoven into this wonderful ""fabric, enquiry was made for some guide book to tell in detail the, knowledge to be imparted by the very walls and ceilings of; the building, Rut the guide book is not yet. Strange to say, Christchurch not yet reproduced the history of this wonderful treasure within its hounds which is in fact the most glorious it possesses. Enquiry revealed that a booklet was "in preparation, however, and soon it would he available, and should add greatly,<tb the wider interest which would invest this remarkable link with the past. ■ ... ;f ;■ ’V

Ip" the day and'''generation' ■ > wh'dn!;' cthe-.: building was erected, tools, implements and labour were not" as thev are nowadays. Tjie present haste and hurry in woitldj. permit so reinafikabjbyand lasting structure to leave the builders hands;

Stop perhaps would labour have the patient skill to reproduce such talented work to crown,.the efforts of the master-1 milder. The buildi’hg is solid, yet stately. Its Interior is of the Gothic order, and is replete with a variety of ornaments in happy and pleasing sequence. The details have been followed with close attraction and there is reproduced a remarkable story in stone, combining the symbols of the anti-Christian and Christian eras in such a way as to impart all that is best in national life. Ihe ornamentation of the interior is one

of the glories of this well proportioned and striking interior. The colouring is a special aspect. Some wonderful pigments, must' surely,: hji ye been used to stand so clearly the flight of years. The sculpture with the miniature masques and effigies, or the symbols and signs, are splendidly executed. Familiar faces of the years gone bv may be recognised with ease, and there is a knowledge to be gained of contemporary life as depicted by the master sculptor responsible for such delicate work. In the period of erection, kerosene was the accepted illumimint and nrovision was made for lighting the interior accordingly; but the Pilgrim fathers looked ahead, and the designer foresaw the coming of the gas age, and so in the very building of the place, the laying on of a gas service was actually provided for, and used in due course for that purpose without disturbing the interior building. In the same way, central beating was provided for, and what chimneys there were, were included solely for ventilation. But the vandals who followed turned the chimneys to the modern service of heating by adding fire places! Visitors to Christchurch should make it a. point of seeing this great monument to the pioneers of the past. There is much to lie learned bv a study of so notable an interior. An enthusiastic caretaker has a fund of information, which is imparted readily and willingly. It would be well indeed where greater public interest aroused in. the building, which it should he the, duty and the pleasure of the people of Canterburv and Westland to assist in maintaining in all its pristine loveliness. This work should not be regarded as an old'cation but as a task to be cherished-