HISTORIC RUINS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18994, 16 April 1925, Page 9

HISTORIC RUINS.

OLD TAMAKI CHURCH.

SCHEME FOR PRESERVATION.

PUBLIC APPEAL PROPOSED. An attempt to .secure Iho preservation of the ruins of old St. Thomas' Church, Tamaki, is now engaging the attention of members of the. Tamaki West vestry, who at-o responsible for the upkeep of the cemetery. The majority of Aucklanders are. familiar with the sight of the picturesque ivy-covered ruin at the junction of the Kohimarama and St. Heliers Bay roads, and from timo to time the opinion has been expressed through the press that some action should he taken Id secure the preservation of (his interesting relic of old days. Latterly the walls of the old church have show 11 signs of weakening, and, if the ruin is to lie preserved, some form of strengthening will lie required. The adjoining cemetery and grounds are also in a neglected state, many of the headstones and railings of the graves having either disappeared or fallen into decay. The whole of the ground surrounding the church has, until lately, been covered with a rankly-growing bulb, which, while picturesque. in flower, has given the, place a peculiarly upkeiupt and forlorn appearance after it. has died down. This weed has now been burned off, and before it has a chance to sprout again, the vestry is anxious to have the. grounds put in order. Unfortunately it has no funds at its disposal to accomplish this, and a public appeal will shortly be made to securo the interest and financial support of Aucklatiders necessary to carry out- the work of restoring the old cemetery, preserving the ruins of the church, and improving the appearance of the grounds. The Rev. 0. Houchen, vicar of St. Heliers Church, is interesting himself in tho matter, and hopes to be able to put in hand a scheme for tho refeneing ot the property, clearing of the grounds, planting of native trees and a hedge right round the boundaries. It has been suggested the ivy should be cleared from tho ruin, but many people will object to this, as without it the old walls would not only lose their picturesque beauty, but would probably crumble, away rapidly for lack of binding and support. It, is thought tho walls can be strengthened from the inside without interfering with the outside growth. Hired labour will bo required to carry out all the work that should be done, and it, is the sincere hope, of vicar and vestry that public interest and support will be forthcoming in order to provide funds for carrying out a scheme of restoration that will greatly enhance the beauty and dignity of the church grounds, and secure, for at least some years to come, the preservation of Auckland's oldest and mostpicturesque ruin.