“SIGN OF THE TAKAHE.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17029, 1 May 1923, Page 9

“SIGN OF THE TAKAHE.”

HILLS REST HOUSE OPENED. The foundation stone of “ Th® Sign of the Taka he.” the nearest to the city or the Summit Road resthouses, was It. id yesterday afternoon at a public function attended by many representative citizens! “The Sign of the Takahe ” is built of stone, and the architecture throughout is of Gothic style, with artistic furnishings. The foundation stone bears the inscription •• Erected as an Endowment lor the Benefit of the Port Hills-Akarott-Smnmit Road. Thomas Stone, honorary trustee. H. G. Ell, chairman of the Summit Road League, April, 1923.” When the upper floor is 1 completed, there will be provision for additional tea rooms possessing an unrivalled view of the hills, the plains and the Mr H. G. Ell said he was particularly pleased to see so many present, among them the Mayor. Dr Thacker, who had all along taken a keen interest in the work, and Mr Thomas Stone, honorary trustee of the reserve. It was Mr Stone’s loyal friendship that had enabled the speaker to remain a worker for the scheme. He felt h-•

could not- devote his life to better serto express his deep sense of gratitude tf. all those citizens of Christchurch who had helped him by advice and material assistance to carry out the work. When it was finished there would he something for posterity to enjoy and derive benefit from. Mr Stone, in laying the foundation stone, said it was a pleasing duty, lr his opinion, the people of Christchurch owed Mr EH a deep debt ol for his work and the manner i: which ho had laboured. (Applause.; Dr Thacker said he wished to com pjimont the trustees and Mr Ell for securing such, a fine estate for tin people. Mr Ell had stuck to his wort i:i spite of complications and in spite of “side-trackers.” He was a good staunch, progressive citizen and a monr. merit should be erected to commemo 3 ate bis work- a statue of the ma> <h.im.se!f. t Applause.) As Mayor ol Christchurch, he wished to thank Mi Eli and to congratulate Mrs Eil a.' well. Mr D. Bates said he could pay warm tribute to the man and his work in regard to the Summit Road, Mi Eli had a master mind, and it \va regrettable that second-rate. inferior artists should have come along am attempted to mar his picture. \lr G. H. Bullard. Commissioner o Crown Lands for Canterbury, said M fill deserved great credit for what h» had done. The reserves and the res houses would be for the benefit o the whole public, and the scheme wa worthy of whole-hearted support. IThimself would, subject fo official limi tations, give Mr EH all the help h< could. Mr J. Gamble. Mavor of New Brigh ton. said he had known Mr Eli am his work for twenty-five years. Noth, ing could prevent the .scheme reach inj a successful conclusion. In futuri i uai;s Mr Ell's name would he rover i on cod by the inhabitants of Chri-i church, and the whole communit; would derive great benefit. After cheers had been given for M. EH and Mr Stone, the visitors wer entertained to afternoon tea am shown over the building.