ROLL OF HONOR

Evening Star, Issue 16159, 6 July 1916, Page 3

ROLL OF HONOR

AT HILLSIDE WORKSHOPS. There was a large gathering at the Hillside Workshops library last evening on the occasion of the unveiling of the roll of honor, containing the names of the employees of the Hillside Workshops who have volunteered for active service. Air J. Carson presided, and read a lengthy apology from the Mayor, in which ho testified to the splendid patriotism and solfsacrifice shown by the Hillside employees. The Chairman said it was a year and nine months since the first Expeditionary Eorco left these shores, with 21 men from the shops. Since that time, out of a total of 103 men enlisted, 93 had gone to the front and 10 were ready to be called up. The families and friends of those dear ones who had fallen had the full sympathy of the members of the staff, but it would be a consolation to know that their sorrow was for those who had fallen, in the struggle for righteousness, liberty, and justice. The Hillside Patriotic Committee had requested- the speaker to mention that the men had collected a total of E2,b00, most of which had been subscribed by the families of the men in the shops, 'they worked hard for the great cause, and it was this spirit which was going to win the war for us. Lieutenant-colonel J. Cowio Nicholls said it gave him very much pleasure to perform the ceremony of unveiling the roll of honor. He regretted that the Mayor was not present. He being a soldier, it was not his place to eulogise soldiers. He understood that out of 4CO employees of the Hillside Workshops 100 had gone forward to fight, and five of theso had laid down their lives. Ho wished to congratulate them upon tho completion of a magnificent and imperishable memorial to comrades who had done the right thing, and which only men of high courage could do.' The honor board is of oak, with beaten copper, and headed on the front with throe bright copper letters. There are three panels—two side ones for the names of those who have gone to the front, and the centre one for those who have fallen. For the present these panels are filled with typewritten sheets, which will later be replaced by brass plates. The roll was designed by Mr R. Hawcridgo (director of the local School of Art), and the work was mainly executed by the local students of the institution. The beaten copper was dono by the pupils of the Christchurch School of Art. Mr J. Kane extended a hearty welcome to the six returned men of the Workshops staff who were present. He hoped that as a result of their efforts and the efforts of those who had fallen and those who were still in the battle line the grand old flag of the nation would fly over au extended Empire. The Rev. J. L. (Mortimer said the roll of honor was not only a credit to the men who had enlisted, but a credit to the Workshops. It was gratifying that it was being duplicated all over the Empire. It was a. glorious thing to think that a nation should have such young manhood who rose voluntarily to stand by a, great and holy cause. lb was not "only an example of patriotism, but it was an indication that the cause was a great and righteous one that should inspire men to volunteer so. The war would probably be the means of the cessation of the struggle between Capital and Labor. It might "be the dawning of the day of greater liberty and justice for ns all. When that day dawned it would be realised that those men who had fought and died had not dono so in vain. We would bo able to say those men, indeed, did give us our liberty. (Applause.).

During the evening selections were given by an orchestra under the leadership of Mr C. Caldwell. Mr M'Kenzi© contributed patriotic vccal items.