NATIONAL MEMORIAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19027, 26 May 1925, Page 9

NATIONAL MEMORIAL.

THE LATE - MR. MASSEY* TRIBUTE FROM THE PEOPLE. AUCKLAND TAKES INITIATIVE. The question of providing a fitting memorial to the late Prime Minister was discussed at a representative meeting of citizens in the Town Hall yesterday. The Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, who presided, said the question for decision was whether the memorial should be established by national subscription or by the Government solely. Sir Francis Bell had expressed himself as favouring a public movement and approved of it originating in tho late Prime Minister's homo town, Auckland. The Mayor then read a telegram from Sir Francis Bell to this effect. In a subsequent letter Sir Francis Bell had suggested that a public fund should be created for the erection of a monument on Mr. Massey's tomb at Point Halswell, and the provision of a suitable monument in Parliament grounds. It was proposed by the Government to vest control of the fund in a committee consisting of tho Speakers of both Houses, the Prime Minister for the time being, the Chief Justice and one representative of tho Massey family. , The Mayor expressed his personal preference for national subscription and said administration should be provincial rather than metropolitan. He moved a resolution to the effect that the meeting affirm the desirability of erecting a national monument in commemoration of Mr. Massey's great public service, at his tomb on Point Halswell. Location of Memorial. In seconding the motion Mr. A. G. Lunn said thoare should be no distinction of class or creed. Everyone should bo given an opportunity to participate in tho subscription as a national tribute. The establishment of the fund need not debar Auckland citizens from making a subse quent effort to erect their own local memorial. A speaker raised the point that the resolution should not embody a direction that the memorial should be placed on Point Halswell. Mr. H. R. Mackenzie said the site of the tomb was the only reasonable place for the erection of a national memorial. Tho people of the Dominion would surely respond to the request for voluntary contributions toward a tribute to their great statesman. The Hon. E. W. Alison, M.L.C., said there should be no hesitancy regarding the selection of the most appropriate site. Point Halswell was the natural place, and it would be a discredit to the citizens to oppose the motion or to bo backward in response to a campaign for individual subscription. The Mayor's resolution was carried. Mr. Baildon then moved that the funds for the monument at tho tomb should be raised by public subscription. ■[ The erection of a monument in the grounds of Parliament might be left with the Government. Mr. Mackenzie said the scope of subscription should bo widespread. Even the schoolchildren should be given an opportunity to contribute their quota. Tho Hon. G. J. Garland, M.L.C., said Auckland citizens should consider it an honour to take tha initiative. The endowment of a scholarship for university or sec ondary education might bo one effective way of perpetuating Mr. Massey's memory. Mr. C. F. Beanett endorsed the motion. Appointment of Committee. The Hon. H. M. Campbell proposed an amendment that any funds available after providing for the monument at the tomb should be used for the erection of a statue in Parliament grounds. This was defeated. After further support of the Mayor's motion had been voiced by Mr. A. J. Entrican, Mr. E. W. Inder and Miss E. Melville, it was decided to appoint a committee consisting of the Mayor and counI cillors and representatives of various public bodies and organisations to arrange for the administration of a provincial fund, the proceeds to be eventually handed to the national committee suggested by the Government. A committee as suggested by the Mayor was declared elected, and the town clerk, Mr. J. S. Brigham, was appointed secretary. The following donations were then handed in to create a nucleus for the fund:—Hon. E. W. Alison, M.L.C., £25; Tho Devonpcirt Steam Ferry Company, £25; Ambury Bros., £l2 10s; and Ambury, Ltd., £l2 10s.