ABOVE THE CITY

Southland Times, Issue 21578, 16 December 1931, Page 8

ABOVE THE CITY

BROWN OWL ROOF GARDEN. A WONDERFUL PANORAMA.

Although Invercargill is still a very young city the business people of Southland’s centre are always allowing evidence of faith in its future, and the latest advance along modern lines has been made by the management of the Brown Owl Cafe in the form of a roof garden on the top of Newburgh’s Buildings. These delightful gardens were opened last evening when visitors were able to enjoy a wonderful view of the city together with supper followed by dancing to the strains of music provided by the Civic Band. The newer portion of the roof of the building has been utilized for the venture and the outer walls have been furnished with rustic cubicles, roofed with gaily painted canvas. The whole has been lighted with coloured lights to give a sunset effect and the space in the centre, which will be used for dancing, will also be illuminated with coloured lights. From the tables in the cubicles a splendid view of the city can be obtained and an even better view can be had from a raised platform above the Esk street wall of the building. Seen from this platform, the roof garden has the pleasing appearance of a Spanish courtyard. A kitchen has been established on the roof, within easy reach of the tables, and the very last touch has been added to a pleasing scene by the introduction of two live owls in one corner of the garden. The birds are young ones and are still inclined to be shy, but they’ excited a great deal of interest last evening.