Forum and Aginum

A Coat of Arms For Gisborne

The enterprise of four local men in forming a private committee to investigate and secure a Coat of Arms for Gisborne is to be highly commended. The efforts of the committee, which is comprised of Messrs G. T. Griffiths, H. H. Wale, W. H. Way, and J. C. Burland bore fruit earlier this month when a tentative design was received from London and has now been given the blessing of the city fathers. Each of the committee has played a vital part in the promotion. Mr Griffiths was responsible for the local research and the drafting of the design submitted to the heraldic artists in London; Mr Wale for the heraldry and armory research; Mr Way, member, Historic Places Trust committee, for accuracy with regard to local history; and Mr Burland for the initiation of the idea and the fund raising. On the latter point a sum of $790 has to be raised for the fee accompanying the application to the Royal College of Arms.

If it is officially granted by the college it will take the form of an elaborately written script (blazon) with the illustrated Coat of Arras as a minor section, presented on vellum (parchment). This would be displayed in the Council Chambers, and from the design, plaques and souvenir badges could be manufactured as required.

Cook Memorial

Sir - It is with some consternation that I read that the problem of selecting a national memorial to commemorate the bi-centenary of Capt. Cook's first landing on N.Z. soil at Kaiti beach has once again been shelved by both the local and national steering committees.

If this indecision continues it is becoming increasingly apparent that there will be no new memorial as the event is now little over two years away. Already, by the continued postponement of a decision, the Miller proposal is out of the running, as it would now be impossible to prepare working drawings and erect a monument of this magnitude in the time available. Will this situation of stagnation continue and in due course also eliminate the architects' submission of a unisphere?

This inaction is no doubt caused by the present economic situation, so would it not be a wise decision to agree on a monument in principle, and then postpone its erection until times are more favourable. Otherwise, we may find our once-in-a-century chance has slipped from our grasp.

(Signed) Monument a Must.

Improvement Suggested

A suggestion has been made to "Photo News" that in the design of the Gisborne Railway Station little thought was given to the convenience of the public as far as the parcels counter was concerned. Heavy articles must be carried up a ramp and along the platform to reach the counter...quite a performance with a 401b case of fruit. The improvement suggested is that a doorway and counter be installed on the roadway side of the building to enable articles to be checked in and out conveniently for the public as well as the railway staff.