GALLANT ISLANDERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19801, 28 May 1926, Page 10

GALLANT ISLANDERS.

SOLDIERS’ WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED BY GOVERNORGENERAL. (From Ooe Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND. May 27. The soldiers war memorial at Rarotonga, which is a 19ft granite cross, was unveiled by the Governor-General on the occasion of hie recent visit. A detachment of officers from H.M.S. Laburnum was present. The Rev. B. James, assisted by the Rev. Mr Morelli, conducted the service and speakers from various native settlements gave addresses. Sir Maui Pomare, Minister in Charge of the Cook Islands, gave an address and his Excellency, says the New Zealand Herald’s correspondent, spoke as only such a gallant soldier could of the men who answered the Empire’s call in her time of need. After the unveiling wreaths were placed on the memorial from each settlement, Lady Alice Fergusson and the ladies of her party placed flowers on the steps of the memorial. Later the roll of honour with the names of all the men who had proceeded overseas from the group was unveiled in the courtroom, and the memorial recreation park was declared open by his Excellency. The following inscription is in English and Rarotongan on the base of the cross; “To the glory of God and in remembrance of the loyalty of the natives of Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atm, Mauke, Mitiro, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Pukapuka Islands of the Cook Group who sent their sons to the number of 500 to help their Empire in the Great War. 1914-18. lour children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying what mean these stones?’ Members of the Cook Islands returned Soldiers' Association, of which Mr J. D. Campbell, formerly of New Zealand, is president, provided guards of honour to his i-xccllency at Rarotonga, Mangaia and Aitutaki.