A WORTHY MEMORIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 14, 17 January 1940, Page 6

A WORTHY MEMORIAL.

Every citizen of Auckland in particular and of the Dominion in general will enthusiastically endorse tho decision of the Auckland City Council to name a prominent headland in the harbour "Achillea Point." In no better way could be expressed the eity's pride in the gallant part of H.M.S. Achilles in a battle which has now passed into the annals of British naval history. Thus to honour one ship is not to forget the honour due to the other two, H.M.S. Exeter and H.M.S. Ajax; but the city will be excused if it demonstrates its especial regard for the ship which is so well known in Dominion waters. In honouring the Achilles we are only honouring ourselves, tor fully half the ratings were New Zealanders. In fact, the aetion with the Graf Spee was tho first in British history in which a ship so largely manned by a Dominion personnel had participated. One of the moat prominent headlands in the harbour, Achilles Point has always been a popular vantage point for sightseers, for from thci'e the Waitemata is spread extensively below. Now that the added reason of sentiment has been added the point will be all more popular. More than that, inasmuch as the name will be put on all charts, the deed of the Achilles will, in a wider sense, be commemorated for all time. The Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Frasrr, reflected the universal opinion of Aucklanders when he said: "Nowhere on earth could there be a iliu'i- spot for a tribute to the sons «f New Zealand in the Achilles."