DOMAIN GATEWAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22391, 11 April 1936, Page 8

DOMAIN GATEWAY

EARLY COMPLETION TOTAL COST OF £IO,OOO LATE MR. W. ELLIOT'S GIFT Fences and builders' material are being cleared away from around the southern portion of the new p ar |j Road gateway to the Domain, and it is now possible for the public to get a good idea of the structure as it will appear when completed. The gateway is being erected in stone and bronze at a cost of £IO,OOO, as a gift to the city from the late Mr. William Elliot. The architects are Messrs. Gummer and Ford and partners, the sculpture is by Mr. R. O. Gross, and the contractors are the Fletcher Construction Company. Except for the screen running be. tween the roadway and the footpath the stonework on the right-hand side is complete, including the figure of a swan preening its feathers, which surmounts the southern pylon. This portion of the gateway is very conveniently arranged for access to the cricket ground, both when entrance is free and when a charge is made for admission. There are two stone ticket-boxes, sc designed as to be utilitarian without loss of dingity, and three large iron gates through which crowds can pass unhindered. The northern half of the structure is nearly as far advanced, hut the tall pylon on that side is still surrounded by scaffolding. A panel in relief near the top of the pylon, representing running men, is being "roughed out" and will presently be completed by Mr. Gross. A large bronze statue of an athlete poised on one foot, as if completing a discus-throw, will surmount the pylon. It has been cast in England, and is due to be shipped in a few days' time. Before it arrives the stonework will have been finished, and it is therefore expected that the whole scheme will be complete about two months bence. The City Council has undertaken to make all the necessary alterations to ground levels around the gateway and to widen the main drive between Park Road and the tennis courts. Part of the open space in front of the entrance will probably be laid out in lawns and flower-beds, providing a pleasant foreground to the stone structures. The ticket-boxes on the southern .side are balanced by a small shelter building of similar design between the tall pylon and the hospital. The whole will form a dignified entry to the city's chief recreation ground, and a worthy monument to the donor.