THE WAR MEMORIAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 44, 21 January 1926, Page 8

THE WAR MEMORIAL.

(To the Editc:.)

Sir, —A great diversity of opinion ox’sts with regard to tho site and the design of the present war memorial, the contention being that it is insignificant and costly. Personally, I have not taken any interest whatsoever in the discussion, as I did not contribute one penny to the fund. I gave to the Patriotic Society and was astonished to find such an acrimonious and bitter spirit exhibited when the time came to administer the funds; henoe, I refused to subscribe to the second appeal. As is quite evident sentiment, or emotionalism, plays an important part at a critical juncture in our national, as well as our private history, or our lives, as against our better judgment, when in our calmer moods. Some desire carillion bells, others an up-to-date museum, a library, or a hundred different forms in order to commemorate tho loss or our men. If wo are going to wrangle over it then any virtue will be lost and it at once becomes a most humiliating spectacle for the anti-war section of the community to gloat over. Better to endeavour to reach finality, oven if the present sito and design are not popular.— I am, etc., H. J. CANTON.