A ROLLESTON MEMORIAL.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11535, 18 March 1903, Page 7

A ROLLESTON MEMORIAL.

Democracies are sometimes charged with _ aving short memorigfi, and New Zealand has not escaped the imputation of showing ingratitude in this way to her best and most useful publio men. There may be Some truth in the charge; bub if so there it all the more reason why we should enBeavaur, by deeds not words, to free ourselves from such a reproach. This we now hove an opportunity of doing, by giving a hearty support to the movement for making some recognition of tho public services re* _er_l by tlie lato Hon. William Rolleston. There is no need to urge upon Canterbury people Mr Rolleston's claims to an enduring memorial, nor to dwell upon the great debt that Canterbury owes to hie wise prevision, in the early days, of tlie future needs of the province. It is needless also to speak of his high personal character, of tlie lofty ideals which inspired his public career, of his love of scholarship and learning for its own sake, and of tbe noble Simplicity of his life as a country settler. It is in the belief that Canterbury is not temnindful of oil she owes to his work and Jus example, and is anxious that his name thai! iH_t be forgotten in the future, that •cms of his personal friends have caused a n_wting to be held this afternoon, at which the best means of perpetuating his memory will be considered. It is for Chri-tohurch to lead the way in this matter, Mince the earliest and latest portions oi Mr RoUegton's official career were so closely associated with the city and district. As the rest of the colony will be influenced by the way the city takes up the movement, tho necessity for a full and representative attendance is obvious. For pur own honour, ho km than for the duty that lies upon us in the matter, it behoves Canterbury to see that the movement is carried to a successful issue.