WAKEFIELD'S SERVICES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 18, 22 January 1940, Page 6

WAKEFIELD'S SERVICES

(To the.Editor.)

Sir,—At this time—the Centennial 'of the establishment of New Zealand as British Colony—when so much is peing recalled, written, and said, of tlie movement that culminated in this event, and of those who took a leading part in bringing it about, is it not a remarkable fact that relatively so little has been done, both in the past a.id [in the present, to commemorate the work of the man who/more than a-y I other, devoted his life and his great | abilities, and, incidentally, sacrificed I his health, to further the establishment of what is, as we know it today, the Pominbn of New Zealand?

Many men have served this country well in their day and generation," but the service performed for it by Edward Gibbon Wakefield seems to transcend that of any other man, be he a contemporary or a successor. Other men have added, and added well, to the superstructure; but Wakefield it was who laid the foundation of the work, and how well and truly he laid it is, now manifest to all.

His courage and persistence, in the face of conservative prejudice and political opposition, were wonderful; and the way he rose superior to the machinations of the many wl.o, for one reason or another, constantly attempted td thwart his best endeavours and most disinterested service, calls forth the admiration of every fair-minded person who follows the history of that time.

And what have we done to perpetuate the memory of, and show our gratis tude to, this great and far-seeing man: this benefactor of the British Empire— for it was not only this country, but also South Australia and Canada that benefited by his wise teaching and counsel? I ask, what have we done to honour and perpetuate his memory? Reluctantly, I am obliged to say, very little.

Wellington/ in 'particular, should be jealous of his memory; for here1 it was that he fought the last battle of his great campaign for colonial self-gov-ernment by the colony, and management of its own affairs; free from dictation by, or« interference from, the Colonial Office in London.

What, then, has Wellington done to preserve this great man's memory? It has belatedly named a street after him, not, it is true, a main street; and there is a second-rate park bearing his name. I cannot at the moment recall anything else here named in his honour. Even his grave was, for a long time, neglected. No "storied urn or animated bust,"' no marble monument, however imposing, would form a , memorial suited to preserve his name, ;and -commemorate his services to New. Zealand. Some Educational Foundation or Institution would, I believe, provide the most appropriate memorial, and be much more germane to the object in view; moreover, it would seem to harmonise better with the-^-at any rate in his later years—rather retiring nature of New Zealand's true friend and founder,! Edward Gibbon Wakefleld.— I am, etc.. ■ ROBERT J. POPE. \ - ■ • •. •• ■ . J