MEMORIAL TO SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 302, 15 September 1921, Page 5

MEMORIAL TO SOLDIERS

MEETING AT ISLAND BAY. Mr. G. C. Odlin presided at a meeting at Island Bay last night, which was convened by the Island Bay Ratepayers and Municipal Electors’ Association to discuss the project of erecting a memo-, rial to those from the district who fought in the Great War. The Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright) congratulated tho district on tho possession of such a live and zealous association, and said that nothing better could have been thought of than to erect a memorial on th© foreshore to those who had fought ami died in defence of tho Empire. It was all the more appropriate because the scheme would probably harmonise with tho City Council’s scheme for tho improvement of the foreshore, which jras to make Island Bay an important and picturesque part of Greater Wellington. He admired the independence of the Bay people in acting for themselves. Whilst he diet not think that Wellington was wanting in public spirit, it seemed to him at times that the bulk of the people with public spirit were those not abundantly provided with wealth. Tho city seemed to lack publicspirited men with wealth. A bright exception to the rule was the late T. G. Macarthy. Ho was glad to find independent spirits at Island Bay who did not expect the City Council or the Government to do everything for -them, but were prepared to reciprocate in. > connection with tho council’s proposed work there. % Mr. G. Mitchell, M.P., approved tho honour proposed to be done to those who went to the war from tho Bay. It had been said that ouch men would never be forgotten, but history showed that there was a danger of forgetting, and it was only fitting ./that something tangible should be done to prevent such a grave lapse of memory. The memorial, whatever form it took, should perpetuate the memory of those who came back as well as those who fell.

Mr. J. O. Shorland also spoke, endorsing the memorial proposal. It was resolved that a committee be set up to consider ways and means or erecting a suitable memorial for the men from Island Bay who served in the Great War, and that it report as to the form of memorial at a meeting to be held next week. ‘ A strong committee wns appointed with Air. C. C. Odlin as chairman, Air. J. O. Rhorland as deputy-chairman, Mr. J. Pragnell as secretary, and Messrs. Harold H.’Miller and E. Wiggins as treasurers.