Pioneers’ Memorial

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 106, 29 January 1938, Page 13

Pioneers’ Memorial

Sir, —I would like to reply io a letter appearing in your issue of to-day, ami signed "Hobson Street..”. First, let me point out that this proposed, ship would be built of permanent materials, the hull of steel, concrete and bricks, and the rigging of wire ropes. As for upkeep, the revenue from teas, etc., would monthan, maintain any repairs. The idea of a ship is because it is symbolical; our pioneers arrived by ships, the -position chosen is because it provides one of the finest panoramic views in the world, and being a memorial, it would be seen by everyone entering our city, be it by car, train, sea, or air? Thousands of visitors pass through our city during the year, and the first question' asked is: “Where can we get a good view of your city?” The answer will be: “Go up ti> our Pioneers’ Memorial.” I know that the scheme is novel, but that is going to be its great charm; it will be known and talked about all over the world; it will be a much-needed asset to our city, a place where every citizen will be proud to take his visitors to and show them Wellington and its suburbs as it really is. It will become historical because the New Zealanders’ Association is going to leave no stone unturned to amass personal history of our pioneers and their descendants while there is still time. From Mt. Victoria the . ship will look not only down on the spot where our first pioneers landed, but also to the spot where “Warepourin” and Epuni met Colonel Wakefield and'Dicky Barrett on the Tory. As for baths, they are the concern of the civic authorities; it is their duty to provide bathing facilities. • In conclusion, I ask every New Zea-, lander to give his mite to a scheme that not only they, but their .children, will ce proud to point out to all visitors as the beauty spot of our Empire City.—l am, et ‘ " C. McINTYRE. Wellington, January 27.