WELLINGTON WAR MEMORIAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 20 April 1923, Page 5

WELLINGTON WAR MEMORIAL

DIVISION OF OPINION

(United Press Association). WELLINGTON 1 ., This Day. Considerable friction has .suddenly arisen over the question of the local war memorial. The Soldiers' Association at first took it up and then handed it, with £3OO already collected, to the Citizens' Committee, who collected £2OOO more and determined on a symbolical memorial to be erected in the 'centre of the city on a site to be given by the City Council. No opposition was offered, in fact the decision appeared to meet with general approval. At \he last moment the erection of a soldiers' club at a cost of £35,000 was strenuously advocated, being backed by Mr Whatman, who carries much influence*, on account of bis generous patriotic donations and offered £IOOO pn this "occasion. It threatened to seriously ' interfere with the Citizens' Committee project- Efforts were made to arrive at a compromise, without avail, and now apparently both projects will go forward together and seriously interfere with the realisation of cither. Those in favour of a sentimental as against a utilitarian momerial point .out that the former will last for ever while the purpose of the soldiers' club iwill gradually fade away as men grow Older till eventually none are left.