The Decorations.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XXIV, 15 June 1901, Page II (Supplement)

The Decorations.

THE WHARF

The decorations on the wharf, beside the two arches, one at the head and the other at the foot, are confined to Venetian poles. These poles, which are twenty-eight feet high, are placed at Intervals of 20ft from one end of the wharf to the other. They are rounded off, and are painted red and white and blue and white alternately, golden crowns being placed,on the tops, while flags ‘are flown thereon. For the Illuminations six arches have been placed equidistantly from end to end. From these depend strings of fairy lamps, while above them gtrs jets will be light-

ed to-uight. Venetian poles 38 feet high are placed in the middle and at the ends of each arch, the wharf thus being divided into two parts. The ordinary lighting system of the wharf has been superseded by the incandescent light, a number of new lights being added. THE WJUZ'UME ABCH.

At the neck of the wharf, just iuside the two outer tees, the first of the city’s decorations is placed. This takes the form of a triple arch of evergreens, divided by towers, and picked out with arum lilies and pampas grass. The main arch is 23ft 6in high, the dividing towers and those at the sides being toft high and five square. The side arches are 18ft high by 10ft across, while the carriage across. I’ungas and nikau fronds have been mainly used in the filling up of the arch and its towers, while many other varieties of shrubs are represented. The central arch bearn the word "Welcome” in two feet silver block letters. Above this are the Tmperial arms, the length of the base being lift. Five flagstaffs surmount the arch, one from each tower, and one from the centre. This central staff bears n Royal Standard, while from the others float the New Zealand and various British Ensigns. The whole effect of the arch is very way under tire main areh is 22ft pleasing. “HAHBOFR LIGHTS" ARCH. As befits a maritime town like Auckland, the arch at the foot of the wharf js designed to represent two lighthouses joined by a ship’s bridge. To Mr Ashley Hunter, engineer and architect, is the credit due for designing this unique arch guarding the approach to the city. The lighthouses are octagonal iu section, 15ft at the base, and taper to Bft in diameter at the top of the tower. Above are the lanterns and eupola, the total height being 45ft. Above each tower is a gilt ball and weather vane. The cupola is bright aluminium, which whines like silver and adds greatly to the general good effect. THE MUNICIPAL ARCH. It was originally intended to have the Municipal Arch at the corner of Wellesley and Queen streets, but the engineering difficulties in the way proved too great. Many designs were sent in fm- the arch, most of them elaborate, but none suited, and at last the Art Committee were compelled to design one themselves. The present arch is the design of Messrs Payton and \\ right, ami though simple is very pretty and appropriate. It is simply two square columns, with an arch between, the top being corniced and surmounted with a gable, the whole being composed of scantling, covered with, greenery-, lhe dimensions of the arch are: Width, 64ft (outside measurement); width of opening, 38ft; height of span, 24ft; height of the top of the gable, 46ft. The side columns are surmounted by a six foot cornice, which projects five feet. The whole is covered with wire netting, which is covered with greenery-. Nikau fronds are used almost entirely, being placed horizontally, while the edges are picked out In rirnu foliage. This scheme of decoration gives most satisfactory results, producing a very pretty effect. In the centre of the gable on each side is placed a shield, six feet in height, carrying the city arms, while each column has a large panel, on each tride, filled with arum lilies. Around the base of the columns troughs have been formed and filled with water, and in these are placed arum lily plants. QIUEEN STREET. Auckland’s main thoroughfare presents a beautiful appearance, the results achieved by- the combined efforts of citizens on the route and the regular artistic design worked to by the Decoration Committee being to transform the usually busy centre into something like a glimpse of fairyland. For the whole length of Queenstreet Venetian masts are placed at regular distances on each side of the roadway. On the pinnacle of each mast is a bannerette, red, white and blue alternating. Festoons of foliage, the work of the loyal ladies of Auckland, bang from pole to pole, and where looped to the mast a wreath of flowers and evergreens is placed. To each mast is also affixed a shield, round which is placed toi-tol so a* to

form Prince of Wales’ feathers, and below is a crescent made of evergreen. The effect of ffcis regular system of decoration along the whole line of route is very good, making a hue foreground to the private decorations of the business premises. The centre of attraction was naturally at the Government platform, where the city address was presented to the Duke. This is decorated with festoons of the national colours, and •11 along the front and sides the beautiful leaves of the nikau palm are effectively arranged. Opposite to this is a large platform for the accommodation of citizens, and on the corner by the ferry tee is another small stand for the members of the Harbour Board and officials. At the back of the main platform is another large stand, and behind this the various business premises are tastefully decorated with the beautiful natural foliage of the New Zealand bush, the nikau, cabbage tree and toi-toi predominating. From the top of almost every building along the street banners are flung out to the breeze, all aiding in making a magnificent display suited to such a unique occasion as the landing for the first time in this colony of the heir-apparent to the throne of the vast Empire of which New Zealand is one of the outlying posts. THE GOVERNMENT ARCH. The designer's of the Government arch at the foot ot Victoria-street evidently deemed it but right to "‘mark with a white stone” such an auspicious occasion as the landing for the first time in New Zealand of the future Ruler of the Empire. Certainly this marble arch presents a tine appearance, being substantial in structure as befitting a Government work. THE "MAORI ARCH. The Maori arch stands at the top of Domain-street, facing the SymondsStreet end of Wellesley-street, and is therefore plainly seen by anyone coming up the latter. It is very simple in Construction, being a representation of the entrance to a Maori fortified pa. Tlie entrance is formed of two carved side posts inclined towards one another, across which is placed a carved beam, the whole being surmounted by a carved idol. These carvings, however are not real, but are paintings on canvas, taken from the best photographs obtainable.