CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23946, 23 October 1939, Page 4

CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL

LOOK-OUT ON SIGNAL HILL LOCAL CELEBRATIONS RESTRICTED The observation point sn Signal Hill which is to be Dunedin’s Centennial memorial, is to consist of a broad observation terrace some 120 feet long by 60 feet wide, at the centre rear of which steps will lead up to the central feature. At the rear of this again and a few steps higher, will be a car parking area. Two location finders will be placed, one at each end of the main observation terrace, each covering a half circle. This gives balance, and will save congestion. All outstanding historical land marks to be seen from the site will be marked on these location finders.

I't'is proposed to embellish the centra] memorial feature on all four sides round the base with sculptural work —a set of panels in basrelief, one panel depicting the discovery of New Zealand by the Maoris, another the coming of , the first ships to Otago Harbour, another the discovery of gold in Otago —and so on. As Otago has played so leading a part in the development of this Dominion during its first hundred years, there should be no difficulty in selecting outstanding events marking milestones in the development of New Zealand, as well as Otago. No decisions as to the subject of each panel have yet been made, but it is evident that there is much room here for developing the historical and symbolical aspect of the memorial. Link With Edinburgh

Another suggestion that has been made to the architects is that a piece: of the rock on which Edinburgh Castle' is built should, if possible, be brought out from Scotland and incorporated In the memorial, possibly being utilised as the foundation stone. The architects have considered this, and as the foundation of this settlement in the 1840’s was so closely connected with the city of Edinburgh, they feel that the symbolism is ideal in a piece of the “ Heart of Edinburgh ” forming the foundation of any centennial memorial erected in Dunedin; With regard to the material of which the memorial may be built, it has been suggested that the best results will be obtained by utilising precast stone made from white quartz obtained from Central Otago. Its colour would assist the flood lighting effect. It might also be used for the proposed has reliel! panels round the memorial feature; itself. The main observation terrace is to be placed where the present road ends, the road itself being swung round northward as it approaches the site. The aim will be to place the eastern location finder as far out towards the harbour as the hill contours permit, thus giving a very fine view down the harbour towards the Heads, which is not at present obtainable. Appeal for Funds The appeal for funds for Dunedin’s Centennial activities, which was launched in August, received a very gratifying initial response, but has been held temporarily in abeyance since the outbreak of war. An appeal is now being made for the further funds required. The whole question of Dunedin’s commemoration of the Centennial has recently been reviewed in the light of war conditions, and it has been decided that the celebrations should be hteavily curtailed. With regard to the city’s celebrations to be held from. February > 17 to, 24, provisional arrangements had been made for elaborate pageantry and display, but such types of commemoration will, of course, be eliminated. Efforts will now be restricted to making, the city as, beautiful and bright as possible at that period, and to a small programme of events m keeping with the of the times, and of particular appeal to the younger generation. y, , ’ ;'' *