Statue to honour Carterton founder

NOT FORGOTTEN: A computer-enhanced image of Charles Rooking Carter, the "founder" of Carterton, imitates a proposed bronze statue to be placed in Millennium Square in Carterton.

Charles Rooking Carter, whom Carterton is named after, is set to be immortalised with a bronze statue in the town.

Lions Club president Ian Reid and secretary Allan Renall made a presentation to Carterton councillors at yesterday's council meeting, requesting permission to place a statue of Carter on council land at Millennium Square.

Their presentation document read: "We, the Lions of Carterton, believe that it is long overdue for us to remember this great man before he is totally forgotten. We owe it to future generations if nothing else."

Council unanimously agreed to the use of the land for the statue.

The club had experimented with finding a location for the statue by placing a mannequin at the Events Centre, Library Square, the old Post Office, the corner of Broadway and High St and Memorial Square before finally settling on Millennium Square as the ideal place for the statue.

"We were unanimous in our view that we had found the perfect site.

"He just looked at home and the site has room for further development into a restful, relaxing place for all to enjoy," the document says.

Millennium Square is opposite Memorial Square at the North end of Carterton.

The club is planning to fund all of the $80,000-$100,000 the project is expected to cost.

Progressive Castings in Auckland, which will likely make the statue, has given the club two options:

The first is for a bronze 1 full size statue of Carter in a sitting position on a stone wall or bench. This will cost $82,500.

The second is for the statue to sit on a bronze rock. This will cost $98,250.

The club believes the statue is worth the cost to preserve Charles Rooking Carter's legacy for the town.

"In days gone by, he was mentioned in everyday conversation.

"His books would have been read in the library, citizens would have picnicked at Carters Reserve, older men would have been resident at Carter Home, and his tenants would have been tending his land at Parkvale."

The document presented to council suggests a statue is needed to revive the memory of Carter in the town.

"While the list goes on, as time has moved on, unfortunately the memory has diluted his name in the town.

"Since Carter Home was closed, Carter Court established in town, and his land at Parkvale freeholded, his name has now become almost forgotten."

The statue is expected to take between three and six months to complete once confirmation of the project is made with the manufacturer.