“The Glorious Dead”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 283, 10 November 1924, Page 5

“The Glorious Dead”

Cenotaph Unveiled NAPIER FALLEN SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL. AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. A further tribute to those who joined the Expeditionary Forces and laid down their lives during the Great War was paid by the Napier citizens yesterday afternoon, when the war memorial—a cenotaph was unveiled. The ceremony was most impressive, and there was an attendance of about 3000 people. MILITARY PARADE. The ceremony was preceded by a parade bf returned soldiers the Sixth Battery, A Company of Territorials. Nos. 8 and 68 Companies of Senior Cadets. Nos. 3 and 105 Companies, Napier High School Cadets, and No. 106 Oompanv Technical School Cadets, headed by the Napier Citizens’ Band. The parade marched from the Drill Hall to the Square. The returned soldiers and territorials lined up on the south side of th© memorial, whilst the Citizens’ Band mounted the platform, upon which were seated the Mayor (Mr. J. B. Andrew) Mr. L- Mcllvride. M.P.. members of the Napier War Memorial Committee, and a number of leading citizens. The opening hymn “A God Our Help in Ages Past” was announced by the Rev. John Ings, the Rev. J. A. Asher following with a Scriptural reading, psalm 46. The Lord’s Prayer was offered up by the Rev. B. MetsoiU and then the Rev. D. Gardiner Miller led the singing of the hymn “Abide With Me.” THE MAYOR’S ADDRESS A The Mayor, addressing the gathering, expressed deep appreciation at such a fin© assemblage to pa v homage to those members of the Forces who, during the years 1914-1918, left our shores for the scene of battle across the seas. After thanking the Choral Society for the way it had met the executive, he briefly outlined w<hat had led up to the preparations made for the unveiling that day. Some time ago he said, a meeting of citizens was called and suggestions were asked for as to the best form of memorial for Napier. Many expressions of opinion were received some favouring a monument of a utilitarian nature, others a clock tower, women’s rest and cenotaph. That diversity of opinion took time to overcome Fortunately the committee eventually arrived at a' unanimous decision in favour of a ceno. taph. Through the good.office ß of th* Incal Architects’ Association they wer«> able to receive the services of Mr. D. B Frame, to whom credit wag due for th» perfection of the memorial. To Mr Jones, of the Hawke’s Bay Monumental Oompanv. they also owed a debt of gratitude for the manner in which the work was carried out. Nothing, however, could have been achieved without the assistance of the citizens of tho town. To the ladies much was due for the wav they canvassed for funds. Further, if it had not been for the energy of Mr. Steele the executive would have failed. On his shoulders fell the greater part of the organising for the raising of the necessary funds They had expected that Mr. Masse? would have been able to perform the unveiling ceremony, but unfortunately he could not do so. “The occasion on which w© are assembled to-day,” continued Mr. Andrew, “is to unveil a memorial to our glorious dead. It seems fitting that after the diversity of opinion that We should have chosen this locality for the memorial. Many of us will remember the school that used to be near bv. tn that school the boys who were the men . of the war learned their first. k lessons in discipline and patriotism. Then came military drill under volunteer officers and. later on the men were assembled in this Square prior to going into camp and proceeding overseas to • ssist their comrades in upholding the prestige of the British Empire. Let me emphasise those words ‘Our Glorious Dead/ There are few people assembled here to-day who did not have some relative taking part in the Great War. and possibly have lost one near and dear to them. They arc our glorious dead and by their glorious deeds have enabled the British Empire to reign supreme among the nations of the earth.” “To the glory of God and m honour of these our. glorious dead. I. on your behalf, unveil this cenotaph,” added Mr. Andrew as he released the ropes enabling the screen to drop from the memorial. WREATHS DEPOSITED. The cenotaph presented an imposing sight with tn© Union Jacks unfurled from the sides. While the Citizens’ Band rendered selections wreaths were placed at the foot of the memorial on behalf of the Napier Borough Council, the Memorial Committee, the Returned Soldiers’ Association, the military, the Taradale Town Board, and the Napier Central School. “The Last Post” sounded by Mr. E Chegwidden followed. The sounding of the “Reveille” by Mr. Chegwidden and the singing of the National Anthem brought the ceremony to an end. Many wreaths were subsequently placed on the memorial by relations and friends of the fallen. Commandant H. Wyatt led the closing hymn. “AH People That on Earth do Dwell,” after which the Very Rev Dean Mayne pronounced the Benediction. The Territorials and Cadets verthen marched back to the Drill Hall and there Major Woods complimented the parade on the fine discipline mum- < tained throughout. He was pleased to see them tur n out in such large numbers.