EARLY SETTLERS’ MEMORIAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 30 November 1938, Page 8

EARLY SETTLERS’ MEMORIAL

ITo The Editor! Sir, —The question of an old settlers’ memorial has been vaguely before your readers for a number of years. The late Mr W. J. Moffatt —it will be remembered —took a keen interest in this project It was always very near his heart and in his lifetime the matter was discussed by several correspondents in the columns of “The Mail ’ including the present writer. An Early Settlers’ Association has now been formed. Things are getting on a definite footing. A canvasser has been appointed and it is pleasing to know that with few exceptions, he is meeting with a considerable amount of warm encouragement—both in town and country. The great bugbear here, as in all avenues of earnest endeavour, is I apathy and indifference —and the ■ abiding curse of procrastination. Although our centenary is three years off ! The movement is one of an essentially j day too early. And the thing is, to get ! behind it and push otir hardest. There i is a very able committee at work, but I the committee can’t do everything. There is a share in this honourable en- | dcavour for everybody, old and young, j and the first step is to join up and put ' one’s shoulder to the wheel in earnest, j The movement is one o fan essentially I patriotic character. I learn that some I few refuse to subscribe because they have no guarantee that the proposed memorial will be in accordance with their personal views as to the precise form it will take. Surely this attitude ;is just a little bit narrow. In ample time, all the various schemes will be submitted to those interested. The decision will probably be by ballot and j the majority will rule, as is just and right on all questions in a democratic. | community such as this is. or supposed | to be. Open hostility to the early j settlers’ memorial crops up in isolated cases. One is indeed surprised that th's attitude should be met with at al!, i but it is. And this is what you hear: I “I’m not interested in the old settlers j —l’m interested in my business and that keeps me fully occupied.” In jus-1 tice it may be added that this soulless I attitude does not come from descendants of the pioneers—but from importations, usually of comparatively recent date.—l am, etc., OBSERVER. Nelson, 30th November.