THE WAR MEMORIAL

Hutt News, Volume 18, Issue 45, 7 March 1945, Page 5

THE WAR MEMORIAL

Sir, —As a returned soldier I agree that the R.S.A. needs new premises, but if published statements are correct then we already own an unencumbered section of land and have over £8000 in cash. Then what are we waiting for? This land and cash can amply provide all that is necessary in the way of accommodation, so I say, get on with it and cut out all these schemes and appeals which are bringing our association into such bad odour round the town. —I am etc., E. R. K.

Sir, —The many readers of the "'Hutt News" will be amazed to learn that a deputation of churchment representing over eighty per cent of the population of tne city, were actually refused a hearing from the mayor and whom they had elected to represent them in municipal matters. Not only is it a breach of good manners, and a "snub" to the ministers who represent us, but tantamount to a rebuke to the citizens as a whole. Accordingly we are grateful to you for having brought this matter to our notice. Many of us also were unaware that it is proposed to make the Returned Soldiers' Club or part of this club the Lower Hutt War Memorial. As a returned man myself perhaps I

had better not embark on a contraversy of this nature beyond pointing out the fact that many wives' and parents may not have the privilege of attending even so worthy and desirable a memorial as a chapel when it is contained within the precints jOf a club reserved for members. Would it not be better to make the memorial take the shape of a Botanical Garden, having lost golden opportunities to acquire such properties as the Bellevue Gardens and Masons Gardens and the Keeble property at the corner of Park Avenue. —I am etc., PRO BONO PUBLICO.

Sir, —Your two leaders in last week's "Hutt News" make interesting reading, and there, is no doubt a3 you say, that it is up to the mayor and. the councillors to take the public into their confidence.

According to your leaders the Hutt City Council has left the matter of an appropriate war memorial in the air. But out of regard for the Hutt Valley Returned Services Association and its desire to obtain funds for o'iub grooms, the idea of enlisting public' financial support for such an objective under the name of a District War Memorial no doubt captured the emotions of the Mayor and City Councillors. It is very probable that the Shrine and the Chapel to the memory of those members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. who have made the supreme sacrifice could just as easily, and perhaps more suitably, be made elsewhere. —I am etc., T. F. SIMPSON.