THE MASSEY MEMORIAL

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 313, 30 September 1926, Page 12

THE MASSEY MEMORIAL

Sir,—Tho late Mr. Massey and the writer, though both Ulstermen, were by no means of the same way of thinking in matters political and religious. But that fact has nothing to do with my present intention; besides, "de niortms nil nisi bonuin.” I merely want to throw a suggestion into the open debate regarding a suitable memorial to the late Prime Minister of New Zealand. Taking it that there is a doubt as to Mr. Seager’s idea being carried out in deference to adverse public opinion, how would a replica of an Irish lound tower suit the purpose of keeping Mr. Massey's memory (sentimentally) green ? The question. of course, is one to be answered in the first place from an architectural point of view by those who are actually acquainted with the appearance cf,'<sr by antiquarian study of those wonderful erections that once plentifully stood out imposingly against the Irish horizon in days gone by. Mr. Massey himself, no doubt, would have seen the remnant of one .of these towers protected from total demolition by embracing arms of ivy in tho capital of his native county. These towers were massive, rugged, formidable and imposing—adjectives, by the way, that, also qualify the public character of the dead statesman whom it is intended to memorialise. I think that such a structure standing boldly out against ths hills, sea and sky at Point Halswell would be a worthy monument to the memory of a great Irish Colonial; an original compliment He his nationality, and a thing of beauty to welcome or farewell those coming into or leaving the grand and fair harbour of Wellington. It might be asking vour readers to stretch their imagination too taut, if I further suggested that a day might arrive when, if the powers that be thought the idea workable, such a tower might be utilised as a beacon for the harbour—a realisation that would permit of the 'epitaph— Were a star quenched on high. For ages would its light Still bo travelling downward from the sky, Shine on our mortal sight. So. when a great man dies. For years beyond our ken. .The light he leaves behind him lies Upon the paths of men. —I am, eto.. DONEGAL. September 28.