ROLL OF FALLEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23284, 1 March 1939, Page 14

ROLL OF FALLEN

BRONZE RELIQUARY WORK OF MR. R. 0. GROSS WELLINGTON WAR MEMORIAL An artistic and 'notable example of a .bronze reliquary lias been designed and executed by Mr. Richard 0. Gross, .the Auckland sculptor, for the shrine of the AYellington Citizens' "War Memorial.. It is about a decfide since Mr. Gross prepared the equestrian figures that surmount the memorial. The reliquary is now in the final stages of assembly prior to being sent to "Wellington. On lilies and forms designed in relation to the architectural features of the shrine, the reliquary embodies the idea of a large casket standing on a black marble base. In the casket is to be enclosed a roll of those from the Wellington province who fell in the Great War.

At the head of the bronze casket is a globe representing the world, above which stands the figure of peace. Ihe roll of honour will bo viewed through a crystal plate. On each flank, connected by bronze grills to the marble base, stand bronze pedestals, containing the figures of St. George and St. Michael respectively. The grills are linked to bronze bands tied to the marble base in which the kowhai, teatree and tudor rose are in clearly incised lines. The casket is embellished by an inset band of pawa shell, and by borders in bronze in conventional design of the tudor rose, thist'e, shamrock and fern. Inset in these borders gleam replicas of battle decorations in gold and silver and enamel, while the Victoria Cross lias place of honour at the head of the casket.

Also inset in the borders are the badges of units that comprised New Zealand's Expeditionary Force. The reliquary at its apex is about Bft. high, and it will be approached through a bronze grill gate with inlaid gilt and enamel. Colour as well as form attracts the eye. The patina, caused by the natural corrosion of alloys in the bronze, has a range of hues through various greens, with a contrast of brilliant cold or silver-like tones derived by careful attention after the casting.* The colourful embellishments also create a striking effect, yet in no sense is there any detraction from repose and dignity.