WELLINGTON WAR MEMORIAL

Evening Star, Issue 18255, 20 April 1923, Page 2

WELLINGTON WAR MEMORIAL

DIFFERENCES OF OPINION. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 20. Considerable friction has suddenly arisen over the question (of the local war memorial. The Soldiers’ Association at first took it up and then handed it, with £3OO already collected, to the Citizens’ uommittee, who collected £2,000 more, and determined on a symbolical memorial to be erected in the centre of the city on a site given by the City Council. No opposition was offered. In fact, the decision appeared to meet with general approval. At the last moment the erection of a soldiers’ club, at a cost of £35,000, was strenuously advocated, being backed by Mr Whatman, who carried much influence on account of his generous patriotic donations, and an offer of £I,OOO on this occasion. It threatened 'seriously to in-, terfore with the Citizens’ Committee’s project. Efforts were made to arrive at a compromise, but without avail, and now apparently both projects _ will go forward together, and seriously interfere with the realisation of either. Those in favor of a sentimental as against a utilitarian memorial point out that the former will last for ever, while the purpose of a soldiers’ club will gradually fade away as the men grow older till eventually none are left.