OAMARU CORONATION ARCH

Evening Star, Issue 22688, 30 June 1937, Page 2

OAMARU CORONATION ARCH

EFFORT TO PERPETUATE IN STONE An appeal for funds to prosecute the work of perpetuating in stone the arch erected in Thames highway by the Waitaki Boys’ High School for the Coronation celebrations was made by a deputation comprising Mr F. Milner and tho mayor (Mr M. F. Cooney) to the Waitaki Power Board yesterday, as a result of which it was decided to donate £IOO towards having the work put into effect. The Mayor said the erection of such an arch at the northern entrance to the town would create a lasting impression, and would lend an added dignity. He thought it was an idealistic way of commemorating the great event of the Coronation of King George and Queen Elizabeth. If the board would cooperate in the matter and give substantial assistance, it would servo to act as a lead to the rest of tho community. 1 If the various public bodies would assist financially, there would he no trouble in raising the required amount. It was expected that the work would involve an expenditure of £2,000, and already public-spirited persons had contributed £SOO. In appealing to the members for financial assistance, Mr Milner said the project had been, launched by the Borough Council, which had donated £IOO towards the cost. The committee sponsoring the matter comprised members of the council and the Rotary Club. They were not out to try to exploit emotionalism, but his opinion of the project was that it would represent the realisation of a civic asset of the first magnitude. They had only to remember the wonderful expressions of sentiment evinced by the community during tho Coronation celebrations; in fact, he thought it tho greatest display of loyalty to the Crown and the British Constitution in the history of the province. The festivities locally had thrilled everyone, and were equal to the finest metropolitan displays. It seemed to him that the arch would be symbolical of all the traditions and fundamental principles that made up the British Empire, which constituted the bulwark of the world to-day. Apart from that aspect, there was the material plane. Tho arch would constitute a noble approach to the borough, and would be seen over six miles away. Besides it would attract all with its stamp of dignity and make residents feel proud of tho town of Oamaru. People asked: How could it ho realised? Well, they already had £SOO collected; therefore it did not seem unreasonable to ask the Power Board to contribute a share of the cost. If tho board would make a donation, then others would fall into line, so that wlint was now regarded in prospect only would eventually enter the realms of reality. Mr Milner concluded, by pointing out that tho arch would be a fitting recognition of what the town had done in the way of commemorating tho Coronation. After tho deputation had retired lengthy discussion ensued. Reference was made to tho crippled children’s fund, and some members were of the opinion that the board’s donation of £5 5s towards the King George V. Memorial Fund was a meagre amount. It was finally decided to donate £IOO to tho Coronation arch fund, and an additional £2O to the King George V. Memorial Fund.