ROBERT BURNS’ MEMORIAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1923, Page 2

ROBERT BURNS’ MEMORIAL.

FINE STATUE FOR HOKITIKA. Yesterday Mi 11. A. Thompson, contractor for the Burns Memorial to be placed in Cass Square, received a photograph of the marble figure of the great poet whose memory is revered by more than people of his own nation. The photograph indicates that- the figure is a very fine piece of artistic .sculpture. It represents Burns in contemplative mood, in such a manner as be might have stood when composing ’‘The Vision”, which has been described as one of the most dignified and widely esteemed of all Burns’ productions; “The Vision”, it is interesting to record contains a stanza which is not inapplicable to a description of Westland. where the Borns* .Memorial is to l.e centred. A well-known land: Here, rivers in the son were lest ; There, mountains tithe skies were to-s’t Here, tumbling billows mark’d the Const With surging fratii: There, distant shone Art’s lofty boast. That lordly dome.

It is as though Burns saw afar and visa god Westland with Aorangi—“our lordly dome”—piercing the skies beyond. It will be a happy association, therefore, to have :i Burns’ Memorial under the shadow, as it were, of Mount Cook, and within sound of the “tumbling billows,” and sight of the “surging foam”, which marks the Coast. The very fine piece of sculpture above referred to, will stand on a pedestal of polished ;ed granite, which will bear the name of the poet ill bold, raised letters’. An inscription sek-ted by Mr W. Patrick, the principal donor to the memorial fund, "ill he engraved on the pedestal also. The whole will supply a very fine and dignified ornament to the grounds in keeping with the surroundings. The pedestal is now on the ground and the foundation will be nut in immediately, and the pedestal placed in position. The marble statue is on the water, and was due in Australia last week from the northern hemisphere where the artistic work was executed.

A date has not been fixed for the unveiling, but it "ill lie probably in the vicinity of the King’s Birthday when no doubt, tlieie will be a large and interested gathering to panitiripnte in the ceremony. The town will be very fortunate in having so line a monument within its borders, for it "ill be always a pleasure and delight to view the handsome piece ol statuory.