NOTRE DAME.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19261, 27 August 1924, Page 10

NOTRE DAME.

BRITISH WAR MEMORIAL. to the million dead. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, July 14. The Prince of Wales, in his capacity as president of the Imperial War Graves Commission, unveiled the memorial tablet in Notre Dame to the dead of the British Empire. New Zealand was represented at the ceremony by Sir James Allen and Dr G. J. Blackmore. The Prince was received at the Cathedral by M. Doumergnc, President of the French Republic, who was accompanied by gene rule. Ministers of the Stale, and military j When the Prince had mitered the Cathedral the doors wore thrown open, and a large number of people who had gathered to welcome iiim were freely admitted to witness the unveiling. The actual ceremony lasted but a few moments. The occasion was too solemn, too significant to require any elaborate symbolism. It mattered not at all that the majority of those whose memory was thus to be perpetuated on the walls of this ancient and historic building were of another creed. Realisation of the difference in race and ideas served only to emphasise the wonderful unanimity of purpose of which this was at once the sad and triumphant achievement. In silence the Prince unveiled the tablet. As the enshrouding Union Jack fell (o tn-i ground the inscription was clearly revealed, “To the glory of God and to the mem st y of one million dead of the British Empire, who foil in the Great War, 1914-1913, and of whom the greater part, rest in Franco." The tablet is in gesso relief, eoi n.Vu and gilded, and bears the Royal arms, .■■inrounded by those of the dominions. The inscription is in relief, and the. v-holc tablet is surrounded by a border of laurel leaf, crossed by ribbons. Polished Hcpio r Wood stone has been employed, and the lettering is gold and grey blue. All Ihe colouring is in transparl glazes over the metals (gold, platinum, etc.). The inclusive dimensions are 3ft hy 6ft. THE KING’S MESSAGE. On the conclusion of the ceremony the organ played the British National Anthem, after which the Prince handed to the President, of the Republic the following message from the King:— M. le President. —On the occasion of the unveiling in Notre Dame Cathedral of the memorial to those of the British Empire who fell in the Groat War, I desire to repeat, in the name of all my people, the message of profound gratitude addressed by mo to the French nation two years ago, when I visited our war cemeteries in France. To all who mourn the dead we commemorate to-day it is a consolation that F'rance. with touching sympathy and generosity, has provided permanent rest-ing-places lor our dear onos, has allowed our representatives to care for these graves as if in their own homes, and continues to regard these hallowed spots with reverence and affection. SVe recall the dark days when our two peoples found hope in their unshakable loyalty to one another; and to-day we also remember that the living bonds between our peoples will not grow weaker by time. Our gratitude grows from year to year, and it is with a full heart. M. lo President, that I thank yon. Accompanied hy General Gouraud and M. Douinergue, the Prince of Wales afterwards inspected the guard of honour, furnished by the Garde Hepublieaine, which was drawn up in the square lacing the Cathedral. The Prince, who tvas joined by Prince Henry, then motored to the tomb of the French Unknown Warrior under the Arc de Triomnhe. Hero tile British competitors at the Olympic Games were assembled. Two of their number placed a large, wreath of red roses with the British colours attached upon the tomb, while the pipers of the 2nd Cameron Highlanders played a lament.