“WORK MUST GO ON.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20542, 18 February 1935, Page 7

“WORK MUST GO ON.”

Takahe Workers Seek • Public Support. CRAFTSMEN FORM COMMITTEE. Ways and means of finding money and materials for the completion of the Takahe Rest-house were discussed at a special meeting called by the. artisans and craftsmen this morning. A large proportion of the exterior walls remains to be done, as well as much of the interior embellishment, but as the necessary public support has considerably slackened in recent months, no material is forthcoming, ; and there is a danger of the work not proceeding. The men engaged on the construction, who are selected relief workers, and are at present on relief wages, expressed a strong desire to complete their work, advanced as it had to such a stage of completion. This morning’s meeting, was attended by over forty men, Mr J. A. Thomson, paymaster to the Takahe workers, being in the chair. Feeling of the Men. “ This meeting has been called to consider the means of raising funds for the purchase of materials to complete the Sign of the Takahe,” explained Mr Thomson. “We have been waiting for some public body or public-spirited citizen to come forward and carry on Mr Ell’s work. Upon his death it was asserted on all sides that the work must be finished, if only as a monument to Mr Ell’s generosity and farsightedness. The men working here have waited and waited for some opportunity of finishing the work, they have had to complain repeatedly of the lack of materials, and now they have expressed a wish to do something themselves.” It was then explained by Mr C. W. Mirfin. head mason at the Takahe, that the whole building was still in need of completion, but the most pressing job was the construction of the northern portion and the main entrance. An extra room was to be added to the north side of the present building. The construction of this new portion would provide work for all craftsmen and builders engaged there. The meeting then appointed the whole band of craftsmen, numbering about 30, to a general committee, while Mr Thomson was unanimously elected to the position of honorary secretary and adviser. The committee were to appoint three or four members as an executive and delegates to co-operate with the town committee. An amendment was also carried to the effect that the general committee include one delegate from each gang of over six men engaged on outside work under the same scheme. An entertainment committee, consisting of Messrs E. F. M’Sweeney, E. R. Jackson, C. Atkinson and R. Frassr, with power to add to their number, was elected to consider means of raising funds by concerts and public entertainments. It was announced that two city bands had offered their services free for a Sunday concert, so that a collection could be taken up. It was decided that an application be immediately made to the Government for a grant from an art union. It was estimated that at least £IOOO was required to complete the Takahe, and it was stated that an application would probably be made for this amount, although public support seemed at present the most reliable resource.