A SOLDIER'S SACRIFICE

MEMORIAL TO LATE LIEUTENANT

F. B. CROUCH

Tie question of erecting a suitable memorial, to the memory of the lato Lieutenant Foster Brooke Crouch, formerly of Wellington, who was killed in action in France, in March of last year, was <Sonsidsred at a/ meeting of citizens held in the Mayor's room at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. There was a good attendance of gentlemen and ladies connected with various local patriotio societies, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.M.G.) presiding. The late Lieutenant Crouch, on the outbreak of war, was employed in the service of the Railway Department, and resided at Kilbirnie. Having private business affairs to settle at Home he proceeded to England early in 1915, and, on completing them, enlisted in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, and soon proceeded to France. He was killed in action on, 23rd March, 1918, during the opening days of the great German offensive. He bequeathed the whole of his estate, valued at about £1000, to the Wellington War Belief Association, for the benefit of soldiers and their dependents. ■

The Mayor said the meeting had fee-en called at tho request of the War Relief Association. He had had the privilege of knowing Mr. Crouch, who held his highest esteem. He had been a dte voted son, a good citizen, and had served with distinction, as a soldier, being twice mentioned in despatches. He was "called West" in March, 1918, being lulled in action. He had set a fine example by his life, service, and death to the people of New Zealand, and to future generations. He thought the best tribute they could pay to the memory of a gallant soldier and sou was to establish a scholarship for the education of some young man who, like Lieutenant Crouch, did not begin life in favourable circumstances.

Mr. J. Hutcheson said he also knew deceased, whose life should serve as a model in filial devotion and patriotic sei--vice. Ho agreed with the proposal to create some form of educational memorial. He had received a number of offers of assistance.

Mr. L. 0. H. Tripp endorsed the previous speakers' remarks. He said that Lieutenant Crouch's life was one of continued sacrifice—first to his parents, then to his country, and now he had left the whole of his estate, having no dependents, for the benefit of others.

The meeting then went into committee to consider suggestions. It was decided to appoint a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Hutcheson, Tripp, J. P; Maxwell, J. P. Firth, A. M'lntosh, W. Eountree, and D. M'Laren, to consider the establishment of an. educational bursary, such committee to have power to add to its numbers.