UPDATE
The rhino sculpture stolen from Paterson has been found.
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Bill Cummins’ blue artwork was left where it was taken from near the Paterson Tavern.
EARLIER
A Paterson sculptor has been left reeling after his artwork was stolen for the second time in six months.
Bill Cummins’ rhino statue was taken from a reserve near the Paterson Tavern, where it was placed for people to gaze upon while they sat in the pub beer garden.
“It’s a well fenced area frequented by families,” Mr Cummins said. “I thought kids would like it and it feeds their imagination.”
The rhino was initially constructed as part of a set of animals for the local preschool to conduct “animal races”.
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The rhino, along with a lion, pig and emu were set up in Mr Cummins’ paddock. When the young students were good they were allowed to draw an animal and a number out of a hat and Mr Cummins would progress the animal that many paces in the paddock.
After that project ended, Mr Cummins said he moved the rhino to the reserve so it could continue to have a connection with local children.
The theft comes after one of his other statutes was also stolen from parkland in December last year.
That statue showed up a few days after The Mercury published a story about its disappearance – and Mr Cummins is hopeful of the same result this time.
Just like last time, Mr Cummins said he does not want anyone punished for the incident – he just wants the statue returned.
“It wasn’t stolen from me, it was stolen from the community,” he said.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the statue can call Mr Cummins on 49385868.