“VENUS IS DRAPED.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 67, 19 July 1915, Page 7

“VENUS IS DRAPED.”

CHRISTCHURCH DOMAIN JOKE. The Maori figure in Hagley Park, near Beech Corner, which marked the site of the Maori pa of the Prohibition period, was fearfully ami wonderfully decorated some time last tWednesday) uight( reports the Christchurch Sun).

Some little time ago the Christchurch Domain Board ecided that the figure was neither of use nor an ornament. It was said to have been carved by a carpenter, who was undoubtedly a clever artisan, but not a sculptor in wood. it was also blushfully breather that ladies had complained that the spectacle ol the “nude figure” was oflensive. In the interests of high art and puMie modesty. therefore the Domains Board decided that the silent sen-

tinel of Victoria Bake must be rooted

People sentenced to death are usually allowed a week or two before being invited to provide the “dull thud” ’which is never absent iron) an execution. The same consideration was extended to tho Maori figure—the board was in no hurry, and the wooden Rangatira (chief or ehieftainess) was permitted time* to reflect on the enormity of hjs or her inartistic and offensive, existence.

It may he some consolation to the figure that it was not destined to pass from the human ken without a. tribute from some admirer, who evidently desires to remain anonymous. People who passed through the park early the other morning saw that a

wonderful metamorphosis had been effected. On the figure’s head there reposed a jauntily-tilted and much.hcfeatheml bonnet. The arms and shoulders were comfortably sheltered from the killing frost by a bright yellow blouse. A skirt, which may have been made from a blanket, mod' f concealed all that a skirt is supposed to conceal. A dilapidated gingham hung at one side. The whole effect of the costume was incredibly ludicrous.

The humorist had a jibe at the Domain Board; a couple of placards