MEMORIAL UNVEILED

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 2, 4 January 1922, Page 7

MEMORIAL UNVEILED

CEREMONY AT MATAKOHE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) PAPAROA, this day. A fine monument erected in honour of fallen soldiers was unveiled at Matakohe yesterday by the Hon. J. G. Coate3, Minister of Public Works. The monument is on an admirable site, a section close to the main road and fronting the Matakohe Church. It is made from Hukatere granite from Coatcs Dros.' property. .Settlers quarried the stone by voluntary labour and the sculptural work was done by Mr. <J. Bouskill, of Auckland. Rev. R. A. McDonald conducted the proceedings. The National Anthem and hymns were led by members of the Dargaville Brass Band. Stirring addresses were given by the Hon. J. G. Coates. Mr. Rowland Hamcs, of Paparoa, and Mrs. A. E. Harding, of Northern Wairoa. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr. E. C. Purdie. secretary of the Auckland Board of Education. A large number of people were present from surrounding districts. There was a parade of territorials and school cadeta and the members of the firing party were all returned soldiers. After the unveiling, the names of the fallen soldiers (20) were read, and the "Last Post" and the 'Dead March" were played, concluding a gathering unique in the history of the settlement.