The Dominion. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1915. A PERMANENT ROLL OF HONOUR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2565, 13 September 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1915. A PERMANENT ROLL OF HONOUR

The great welbome which the people of Wellington gave to the sick and.wounded soldiers who landed from, the Tahiti on afternoon was but an indication of the feelings of affection, pride, and gratitude which tho brave deeds of our soldiers at the front have aroused in the hearts of the men, women, and children in New Zealand. The] vast; crowds, which lined the route from the steamer to the Town Hall did their part well. It was df triumphal procession. The heart that could - have watched such. a scene 'without emotion would, have beencold and callous indeed. 1 The' wax has given a new -life to those sentiments of patriotism and instincts of nationality . which had become dullj'cd.by long years of peace and prosperity. Now that the very cxistcnco of the Bi'itish Empire and all it stands for is threatened, we are het ginning to_ realise the incalculable j value of .things whioh we had becomo accustomed to take as a matter of course.. The menace of 'German domination has stimulated our love of country, and Saturday's procession of men fresh from-the grim battlefields of G-allipoli—men who bavs risked their lives for its and for'the Empire—should help to, remind, us that no country can . be great that is . not prepai'ed to pay tho price of greatness. Wc prize most what costs us most,. a,nd the blood and tears which are now being shed are making our patriotism a more real ahcl living thing than ever it was before. The people who cheered the men from the front, so heartily felt something of this new spirit.. They realised that they were taking part in no empty ceremonial or mere spectacular display They knew that they-were witnessing the home-coming of men who had faced death for; their country's causei ■ In the course of his speech at the Town -Hall, the Prime Minister said: "We are proud of our boys who -are here to-day; of- those • who are fighting to-day; and those who sleep their _ last sleep in 1 foreign soil." Similar sentiments have been expressed over and over again in much, the same words,- but they do hot become stale by repetition; for they'are the simple truth in simple words. Yet something more than words, however sincere, is neededsome permanent and pl'oinincht record of the names of these New Zcnlanders who have scrvqd their country on the battlefield 'in this the most momentous episode in the history of the Empire. This'matter deserves careful and sympathetic Consideration. What better place could bo found for this roll of honour' than tho Town Hall of tho capi-' tal of tho Dominion ? The name of every Now Zealand soldier who has fought in this war might well be inscribed on the walls of the hall. Suoh a record would be of perpetual interest from many points of view, and it would be a continual reminder to coming generations of the fact that at a time when the Empire's fate trembled in the balance thousands of tho pick oI the youth of New Zealand were ready to give their lives "for tho freedom of the Home of Freedom." The _ sacrifices of these men havo enriched and- ennobled our national life. The suggested permanent; roll of honour would not only be an appropriate recognition of their services, but also an inspiration to others; to follow their example if ever the Empire should again be called upon to draw the: sword in- a righteous cause. National monuments, inscriptions, and records tend to maintain and.- intensify the national spirit. They form links which bind present;; past, and future together, and tell each generation that • it Would be shameful to allow its great heritage to be impoverished, and that "it is bound in honour, to do its titmost to hand it on enviohed to succeeding generations.