Completing a Memorial

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28758, 2 December 1958, Page 14

Completing a Memorial

The Christchurch City Council’s summary rejection of the imaginative scheme for indicating permanently the special significance of Memorial avenue is regrettable. Many people, including city councillors, may have been prejudiced against the twin monoliths because of failure to appreciate their symbolism, and because there has not been much informed comment on them. The Mayor (Mr Manning), who read to the council last evening a statement by the architects, Messrs

Warren and Mahoney, seems to have favoured further consideration of the scheme. A decision accordingly would have been preferable to the council’s miserable suggestion that “ a small plaque ” be substituted for any more impressive and inspiring feature on Memorial avenue. The architects’ statement to the council contained a sufficient reply: "Nothing small or mean

“would be appropriate for the “men and events this avenue “ commemorates ”. Moreover, as we have already pointed out, a project valued at almost £150,000 merits something better than a mere label, which time, weather, and the growth of trees would make increasingly inconspicuous. A dramatic, dignified obelisk would remind successive generations that Memorial avenue is not just another main highway. The estimated cost of the proposed memorial—about £Booo—would not be disproportionate. At present, the Memorial Avenue Committee may be averse to additional financial commitments. It should, however, consider planning to incorporate a suitably impressive identifying feature—not necessarily the twin monoliths—when finances permit. A “ small plaque ” would be almost contemptuously inadequate.