Writing's on the wall for historic kiwiana mural

A cheeky little slice of Wairarapa kiwiana has been uncovered during the wrecking of the earthquake-prone former Lambert's Cycle building on Lincoln Rd, Masterton.

The wrecking crew discovered a satirical mural painted during the Muldoon era, poking fun at New Zealand political figures. It had graced the wall of the Ambassador Lounge before the cycle shop was housed in the building.

It features Rob Muldoon - who has a piglet tucked under his arm - along with David Lange, Winston Peters, Ruth Richardson, Mike Moore and others not quite as easily recognised.

A rugby figure that features on the mural in All Black gear could be Brian Lochore and all the characters are gathered in what a sign proclaims to be Ye Olde Tweety Inn, a reference to the lounge's owner and chef Tweet Bird. Mr Bird said yesterday the mural had been a talking point with diners at the Ambassador.

It was painted by a display artist who had been working for DB Breweries and some of those depicted in the mural had actually had meals at the Ambassador.

He said Mr Muldoon had visited the lounge, as had entertainer Howard Morrison.

"Someone had won a lunch date with Howard Morrison and they had the meal at the Ambassador," Mr Bird said.

Unfortunately the mural was on a concrete wall that will be wrecked, along with the rest of the old building, which is coming down to clear the site for Lands Trust Masterton re-development plans.