THAT “KIA ORA” SIGN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 255, 18 January 1928, Page 16

THAT “KIA ORA” SIGN

CAMPBELL’S POINT IDEA VARYING OPINIONS npHE idea of implanting “Kia Ora” in bold letters on the cliff face at Campbell’s Point is thought by some prominent citizens to be an excellent piece of publicity, but it is damned by others as being altogether contrary to good taste. The suggestion originally came from the Advertising Club, and it is backed by the New Zealand Tourist League, but the Parks Committee decided against it. Campbell’s Point has been defaced by the Railway Department, and it is to be left as a steep cliff. The league thought that the cliff should be beautified and the lettering should be in white or volcanic stone or in flowers. Here are some of the opinions of some citizens: Mr. G. M. Fowlds, president of the Tourist League, and a member of the Town Planning Association: Five years ago, when the railway proposed cutting down the point there was an outcry about the desecration of the headland. The Town Planning League, under Sir James Parr, was placated by the promise that the slope would be treated in an artistic manner. Now it is to be left in clay. It would be a novel touch to place the letters in stone or flowers, or perhaps steps might be made in the shape of the words. On the new ferry building in Honolulu there is a sign “Aloha,” which is most effective.

Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, president of the Town Planning Association, and also chairman of the Auckland Power Board: Of course we would prefer the sign to be in electric light! The idea is a good one, however, for it would be a conspicuous welcome. In Canada and the United States there are similar signs. Perhaps an interpretation would be necessary! Mr. A. J. Brown, landscape architect: The suggestion smacks of the tawdry and cheap. It is what one would expect on the -portals of Coney Island. It would be derogatory to the dignity of the city, and cultured people would roar with laughter at it. There are ways, not so outrageous to the sense of fitness, of welcoming visitors. Towns on the south coast of England have shown what can be done.

Mr. R. Angus, Auckland manager for Cok’s Tours: It looks a bit abrupt, and is hardly artistic. Some visitors would comment on the novel idea, but it would not appeal to others. It seems to be akin to the ‘ Thank you” signs in restaurants or to the joke signs at the approach to some country towns.