THE WAR MEMORIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20004, 22 January 1927, Page 10

THE WAR MEMORIAL.

It should be a matter of concern to the community as a whole, as it necessarily is to the Soldiers’ War Memorial Executive, that a sum of £2OOO remains to be collected to meet the cost of the memorial. The existence of a strong difference of opinion concerning the form which the memorial should take must be held to have affected very adversely the efforts that have been made in the past to raise the whole sum required to pay for the memorial. But the sound democratic rule that the minority should accept the decision of the majority and fall in with their views should apply in this case as in other matters. The memorial may not be what a number of people in the community considered desirable. But, though not in the form they thought most appropriate, it is a memorial of lives to which, they agree, a tribute of affection and respect is due, and it is the only general public memorial in Dunedm. Moreover, the opportunity which has been afforded to oho public of perceiving the completed obelisk must have satisfied them that it is an imposing memorial and one that is not unworthy of the city. In these circumstances, it must be with a good deal of confidence that the War Memorial Executive now hopes to receive financial support from many persona who have in the past withheld their aid. It is also felt that a large number of firms and persons who have already contributed may now see their way to make additional subscriptions to the fund so that the cost of the memorial may be wholly met. It should indeed be made a matter of public honour that the memorial should be completely paid for by public subscription before March 17, on which day it will be officially unveiled by the Duke of York. A reproach will certainly lie on the city if so much as a penny of the cost should be outstanding at that date. If this is the view of the citizens as- a whole there should be little doubt about the amount that is required being speedily subscribed. We shall be prepared to receive contributions and to forward them to the War Memorial Executive.