The Graves of Gallipoli.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15395, 28 September 1915, Page 6

The Graves of Gallipoli.

An interesting discussion has been taking place in our columns on the subject of planting New Zealand trees and flowering shrubs on the graves of our loved ones who have so gallantly given their lives in the service of tho Empire. Their nslieS lie in classic ground niado famous in history and romance from ttie time of the great epic poet of Greece onwards, but to the people of theso southern lands tho Gallipoli Peninsula will" possess a special saeredness and interest, quite apart from its older associations. It goes without saying that tho graves of thoso who have fallen must be marked off and tended with lovinir care, and there is much appropriateness in tho suggestion that New Zealand and Australian trees should spread their protecting arms over the graves of tho New Zealand and Australian dead, and that flowers from beneath the Southern Cross should minglo their beauty with those that flourish so luxuriantly in the Troad. W© have no doubt that either through the means of tho Oversoas Club or some other organisation, this-pious work will bo taken in hand after the war. In that case, it seems to ns bettei' not to confine ourselves to one "national" tree or flower, but to send a selection of those which seejn most beautiful and appropriate. There should bo room not only for the kowhai and the ribbonwood, but also for the graceful and lordly totara. Whether tho. climate would suit the free-fern we cannot say, but if so, there is no question as to its appropriateness and its charm. Wo have no doubt that in years to como the Peninsula of Gallipoli will be the scene of many a hallowed pilgrimage from these far-off lands. It will add much to the solemnising influence and chastened pleasure of these pilgrimages if the trees and flower* remind the visitor of the land from whence he came, an<J j which the dead lie came to honour hove decked with a new glory.