THE WAR MEMORIAL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14707, 7 June 1920, Page 6

THE WAR MEMORIAL.

To the Editor. r. ; Sir, —Your article of Satuiyjay ;er£ning gives an opening for. the "introduction of a discussion on the question of; a soldiers' memorial. The extent of the Borough Council's action* in' the matter so far has been to set up a. Committee for the consideration of the subject. and to formulate suggestions for discussion at a- public meeting. I have asked the Executive of the Returned Soldiers' Association to co-operate with the Committee and give it their ideas on the matter. In reply to 'inquiries, we have received information from all the principal towns in New Zealand as to what has been done or is contemplated in the matter of soldiers 7 ' memorials. Most of thfe replies are to the effect that definite proposals for memorials have not yet been considered, although several towns have projects in the embryo stage. This condition of affairs is in no way due to apathy on the part of the public, but to the fact that the public mind at the present moment is not clear as to the most appropriate, and most generally acceptable form, which memorials designed to commemorate for all time the; sacrifices of this Dominion in the war, and the loss of 15.000 of our young manhood killed in the fight for world freedom, should take. At the present time also, the energies of patriotic committees are largely absorbed in questions pertaining to the repatriation and welfare of returned soldiers, and public funds are being devoted to the settlement of the men on the land. These conditions have for the time diverted attention from the question of soldiers' memorials, but there is no doubt ..whatever that the people of North Otago, in common with the rest of the Dominion, will hold sacred the duty and privilege of erecting a'memorial, and will not be dilatory in carrying it into execution, once a worthy conception of the form the memorial .should take, has been agreed upon. So far, I believe Oamaru can claim the credit for having been the first town iu New Zealand to conceive and carry out a complete memorial to its' fallen soldiers. While the oaks form in many respects a beautiful memorial, it was generally felt that something further was expected and desired.. No doubt many of the public have ideas on the subject which would be of value, and a discussion of their suggestions through your columns would be a matter of general interest. , In considering the subject the following points should perhaps be specially borne in mind:—(l) Should the memorial be one for Oamaru only or for the whole district? I think it should bo the latter, but I understand various country districts are considering local memorials. (2) Should the memorial be of an artistic and monumental design only, and not of a utilitarian character? The question of the most suitable site would depend largely upon the decision eonie to as to tho form the memorial should take; and the cost of the site and the memorial should, in my opinion, be entirely defrayed by voluntary subscriptions.—l am, etc.. J. M'DIARMID.

To tlie Editor. Sir, —In your leader"" on Saturday's paper I was glad to see you made reference to the old Gaol site as a suitable place for a war memorial, and in a sermon; tin's morning in one of our c-liu::clies the preacher spoke of a "stir up in remembrance," and I connected his remark with your leader. You were trying to-stir up to remembrance the' people who should require no stirring up. but who should be moving heaven and earth to erect a memorial to our fallen heroes. Is Oamaru going to stand out alone in this matter and not care, now she is secure? Nothing but a memorial such as was erected for the South African men will ever perpetuate remembrance of the sacrifice that was made for us. Surely our Mayor will move in tiie matter. — I am, etc., ' LEST WE FORGET.