PEACE MEMORIAL

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 23 May 1919, Page 5

PEACE MEMORIAL

SIR JAMES ALLEN'S IDEAS.

In speaking at the Town Planning | Conference in Wellington, Sir James | Allen asked delegates to consider what' they would do in New Zealand in memory of the sacrifices that had been made during the war, reports the Post. He knew that many favored utilitarian schemes —hospitals, universities, etc. — but no building of that kind would represent to him what the lessons of the wax had taught him. He was certain i that artistic memorials, representing the principles that men had fought and died for, had a large part in influencing the nations and building up national character. He knew the influence the Nelson monument in Trafalgar Square had upon him. He had not time to allude* to monuments in other countries; hut he asked General Pau if the monuments in France had had an elfeet on the French character. General Pau replied that they had made France what she was to-day. They could have hospitals and universities in ordinary times j but these. were extraordinary times, and something extraordinary was required in the way of memorial, something to pass on to future generations the lessons of the times; something to represent what had been passed through, and which they trusted God to protect them from in future. It meant duty done, sacrifice made, and liberty and freedom won. They could , put into stone or bronze principles making those who came after them realise I what is was to sacrifice themselves for i the good of the whole. (Applause.)