WAR MEMORIAL PARK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19235, 26 January 1926, Page 10

WAR MEMORIAL PARK.

ACQUISITION TO PUTARURU. UNVEILING OF THE OBELISK. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] PUTARURU, Monday. : The Putaruru War Memorial • Park reached its final, stage this week-end, the new bowling green .being officially opened on Saturday and the memorial obelisk unveiled on Sunday by Mr. F. F. Hockly, M.P. The. park' is of one and a-quarter acres in extent, and was given to the residents as a memorial park by Mr. F. C. Barnettj an old settler. Through • the efforts of a local committee the area has been laid out at a cost of £llOO to supply three tennis courts, a croquet lawn and 4 full-sized bowling green, with a memorial obelisk in the centre.

Bowlers were present from Matamata, Tirau arid Auckland. In declaring the green open Mr. Hockly emphasised the admirable conception of a memorial park where facilities for the clean, healthy sport so much associated with the nation centred round a memorial obelisk.

Despite unfavourable weather a large crowd attended the unveiling ceremony on Sunday. Mr. S. J. Parker acted as chairman, and the speakers included Captain Judson, Y.C., representing the Defence Department, the Rev. E. Ward, vicar of Putaruru, and Mr. Hockly. The Rev. C. W. Brown, Methodist minister, offered up prayers.

Nnmerous beautiful floral tributes from relatives and local public bodies were laid on the memorial, and the Putaruru Brass Band, under Mr. H. J. Pearse, supplied music.