The Peacock Fountain – Christchurch/NZ.
As we entered the Botanic Gardens surround
we discovered a fountain of beauty and grace.
I asked Heath for the name of the fountain we found
and what was its history? Why in that place?
He said: ‘The Peacock Fountain’ is its name.
A bequest by John T. Peacock had been given
to beautify the gardens as its aim
and the Council to decide its use was driven.
“The Beautifying Association pleaded
for a fountain which would grace the garden front.
They felt in 1905 it was needed
and requested Council for designs to hunt.
“This ornate design was finally selected
from a worthy English foundry: Coalbrookdale.
It was shipped piecemeal and finally erected
in 1910 - and there begins its tale…..”
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In 1911 it was placed to the fore
where the Robert MacDougall Art Gallery stands
but because of the trees there the lighting was poor
and it later was moved due to public demands.
Relocated from there to the Archery Lawn
which it graced in its basin for thirty odd years
till it kept breaking down and was looking forlorn
from neglect and the want of much-needed repairs.
They dismantled the fountain and placed it in store
where it languished from ’49, (being rather weighty
to move). Then, as it was no use any more,
it was sent out to Ferrymead Park in the ‘eighties.
A public petition to have it restored
was made and the Council’s approval was passed
in spite of high costs they could hardly afford.
(More than half of the pieces they had to recast,
many parts had gone missing or damaged while stored.)
Local artist, Bill Sutton, provided the scheme
for the colours with which it was finally painted.
Some critics have dubbed it “Confectioner’s dream”
or “With nouveau riche gardens in Bangkok acquainted.”
But, as Heath and I sit eating double ice creams
we applaud this return of Edwardian dreams.
Hinemoa Giffen, August 20th. 2007.
Author notes
When I first arrived in New Zealand Heath took me on a tour through Christchurch and though I enjoyed everything I saw The Peacock Fountain was one I most enjoyed seeing. Heath and I sat there for quite awhile eating our Ice creams and canoodling on the bench.
When visitors arrive from Australia that’s one of the places we take them to and tell them its story..
In a list
A contest entry
- Only For Members of Hugh Wyles Favourites Group #19 by huguenauties.
750 points, ended August 30, 2007, 12 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 17 of 17
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Very informative & good poetry
Hinemoa, with this you have made the Peacock Fountain of Christchurch, NZ famous worldwide!!
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I love your poem, very captivating...and the picture.
I also live in New Zealand, although I'm in Auckland. The peacock fountain will be the first thing I make sure to see when I go to Christchurch though! -
A wonderful rhyming poem that allows me to see the beauty of the fountains and the botanical gardens. I am sure this is a wondrous sight to see. Very nicely penned dear sister with visuals that leave me wanting to pay a visit to Ne Zealand. The best to you in this contest.
Much Love & Respect ♥
Renee
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A very interesting piece, Hinemoa. The fountain is pretty and I cn see why you and Heath think it's so special
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I've never heard before of a fountain being moved after it was installed, it seems like a permanent fixture of the landscape. Where there's a will, there's a way; I'm happy that there was a way to restore the fountain for your pleasure. This is a very interesting story, Hine, thanks for telling it!
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Dear Hinemoa,
That's a beautiful fountain you chose to write about, Hinemoa! I'm glad the decision was made to have it restored. Best of Luck in the contest!
Maureen
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Dear Hine, That looks like a fantastic fountain, something else I have to visit when I eventually come over to New Zealand.
It's a real corker of a poem dear Cuz.
Love Jen
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I want NZ Ice cream TOO!!
OHHH Good Hine,
You said you were going to write about the Peacock Fountain, and what a beautiful poem it is.
AHHH I remember Hugh taking me to see the fountain on my first and second trip. I think it's grand!
And Hugh and I also sat on the bench eating an ice cream. I LOVE New Zealand Ice creams..YUMMY!
Thankyou for entering our group contest and good luck in the judging.
Love A/J
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I want NZ ice-cream!!!!
I am glad you chose something I didn't even know existed, and in my hometown too. I am a proud Kiwi but feel that I have neglected my learning more about our beautiful country, especially the City of Christchurch! Thank you for your wonderful poem, the rhyming, of course, is something I favor and you should be proud of your masterpiece. Wishing you the best in this contest.
Hugs and love,
Petratani
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YEAHH Petra NZ Ice cream is bonza, you'll have to visit the fountain when you go visit christchurch.
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Dear Hine
Have MORE ICE-CREAM for me. It isn't the same in the US. I crave my sister's cooking and meat pies, sausage rolls, scones, high-tea. Oh yummy. I would get on a plane this minute but I'm waiting to win the Lottery tomorrow night. $70m. I'm a very generous person so I would give you and Heath some! Won't that be lovely LOL!
Hugs and love,
Petratani
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Thank you for this most informative poem. I must confess I thought the name was something to do with the bird not somebody's name - but they have painted it in a most appropriate colour.
Nicely written
Cheers
Anne
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Thanks Ann, yes it's a lovely fountain, we go there often and just sit in the gardens near the fountain.
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Isn't it winter there? Why are you eating ice creams? I'll make you some nice hot cocoa.
It's certainly a very colorful fountain...hard to miss it.
The fountain has an interesting history where it passes between prominence and neglect. I'm glad it's found its rightful place in the Botanical garden...even if it does induce lovers to eat ice cream on a far too cold winter day.
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It wasn't winter there when I went over in October 2005-it was Spring then and the ice creams are yummy.
It looks lovely in the botanic Gardens.
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Dear Hinemoa,
You have made an interesting choice of what is certainly one of Christchurch's icons being situated, as it is, in the forefront of the entrance from Rolleston Avenue to our beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Many who visit Christchurch tend to concentrate on the Cathedral, the Square, Worcester Boulevard, the Old University and the Arts Centre, the Museum and other gothic buildings but this colourful fountain stands as a testament to the value of public opinion in the preservation and restoration of our historic past.
Your poem is most informative and well written in the anapaestic tetrameter which you have adopted throughout (with an adroit change to iambic pentameter in which you describe Heathcote's narrative early in the poem.) I am bookmarking this for future enjoyment.
It deserves a very high place in the voting.
Applause, love and hugs XXX Hugh (R.)
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Thankyou Babe.
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