WAR MEMORIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 96, 24 April 1922, Page 7

WAR MEMORIAL.

ST. AIDAN'S TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN. The war memorial, the Celtic cross and the lych-gate erected at St. Aidan's Church, Remuera, were unveiled by his Excellency • the Governor -General, Lord -Jeilicoe, yesterday morning. His Excellency was accompanied by Lady Jellicoe, members of their family and staff. They were met at the lych-gate by the vicar, the Rev. ,). Wilkinson, and escorted to the church, where a service was held, the Anglican Bishop of Auckland, the •Right Rev. Dr. A. W. Averill, preaching the sermon. The church was filled to overflowing.

The Bishop taking for his text, Eomans, eh. xv. v. 13, "The God of Hope," in concluding an eloquent address, said: " This morning we are specially commemorating St. .Aidan's noble sons and thanking God for their devotion and faithfulness unto death, and may the lycih-gate and memorial cross so suitable as memorials, ever remind the' present and future generations of the prfce for their freedom."

"The lych-gate and memorial which we are assembled here to-day to unveil are unique in their character in New' Zealand," said his Excellency. "Alas, they are not unique in their signification, for! throughout the length and breadth of this Dominion countless memorials have been erected and unveiled *• the memory of those who iin the call of duty and in a righteous cause came to the assistance of the Empire in the Great War for the preservation of civilisation and the protection of the weak." It was truly said of them, "Their name liveth for evermore." It was equally true to say of them that their work, although they had died, remained for all time and for the benefit of future generations.

His Excellency then unveiled the monument with the words: "To the glory of God and to tbe honoured memory of those from this parish who gave their lives for King and country, I unveil this memorial."

The Bishop then dedicated the memorial.

The memorial is one of the most original and effective of New Zealand memorials. It consists of a Celtic Cross, 19 feet high, erected in the church yard, and a Iychjrate built at the northern entrance. The cross, simple and rugged in outline, standing on a rock-work base, symbolises not only the Christian religion, but the virile strength of the youthful warrior. The base contains 35 names of members of the congregation, and the inscription "For God and Country." "Lord God of Hosts Be With Us Yet, Lest We Forget—Lest We Forpet!" The lych-gate is a replica of that in the churchyard of Clun. Shropshire, which was erected in 1722, and is a very rare type.