STAIN ON THE MEMORIAL

Evening Post, Issue 12, 14 July 1936, Page 8

STAIN ON THE MEMORIAL

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—While looking lately, and especially on wet days, at that noble edifice, the soldiers' monument, I feel grieved and sorry to see such a beautiful mass of marble and sculpture doomed to a brown stain which will gradually envelop the whole structure owing to the application of bituminous paint to the back and joints and intended to prevent the oxidisation' stain so prevalent iri! marble after being placed in position. Marble is largely composed of lime, making it very absorbent, and it should be kept free from-all deleterious matter.

Let me state as an old mason who has worked and set marble for. nearly half a century, there is means that can be taken to prevent marble developing any stain. Might I also suggest that if that inspiring quotation on the front of the monument had the letters painted a light grey it would- be in keeping with the grey granite foundation and readable at any time during the day, instead of only being visible when the sun is at certain angles.' I know the architects want to mellow the letters with age, but surely, sir, by that time the whole monument will require cleaning.—l am, etc.,

S. DOWDALL.