A SUITABLE MEMORIAL

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 33, 9 February 1920, Page 6

A SUITABLE MEMORIAL

With the date of the visit of the Prince of Wales to New Zealand now known approximately, the question of his reception and entertainment in the Capital City is beginning to occupy the minds of citizens and theii suburban neighbours. Several proposals have already been, made, and, no doubt, will be considered when the time comes to draw up the final scheme. Equally important is the suggestion to have some permanent memorial of the occasion. The Mayor has put forward an idea (which will commend itself to many, if not indeed most, Wellmgtonians), and that is that the Prince should be asked to lay the foundationstone of the new railway station, for which the city has been waiting many, a long year. The urgency of the need requires no comment in these days, and, if the stone were once laid, the Government would be in honour bound to complete the work. To-day comes another suggestion from Mr. Stuart Wilson, one 'of the prime movers in the Progress League, who rightly declares that there is something nearer and dearer to the heart of the people than the railway station, and that is the welfare of their own children. What could be", better, he asks, as a practical beginning of national reconstruction, than a " better schools " fund to change the present ugly congestion which is a glaring stupid national crime? Mr. Wilson suggests a representative deputation of citizens to the Education Board to find out what might be done by the Government, local bodies, and the public to assure the funds necessary for reform. The association of the Prince with such a movement would make a lifelong impression on the children, and would no doubt stimulate the public into effective action. Mr. does not go into detail? at the present moment; perhaps, the time is hardly ripe for that. The Prince himself, who represents the young manhood of the Empire, will appreciate the value of such a movement to the rising generation, on whom the future of the Empire depends. As the question of a memorial of the Prince's visit is one that affects the whole city, the Mayor should call a public meeting at an early date-for the discussion of these and other proposals that may be made. The public should have the opportunity of making the very best of an occasion that lends itself to civic patriotism. ■