WAR MEMORIALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27357, 5 April 1950, Page 6

WAR MEMORIALS

This evening a meeting of the ' Dunedin War Memorial Committee —the first for nearly a year—will he held. It is probable that this is a preliminary to the holding of a public meeting at which the citizens of Dunedin will decide whether they are desirous that a war memorial be erected and, if so, what form it should take. It is important that whatever decision is made it should represent the considered opinion of a representative cross-section of the community. This is essentially a civic matter and the manner in which it is dealt with will reflect closely on civic dignity and honour. That point must be borne continually in mind during the forthcoming discussions. It cannot be said that there has been any strong manifestation during the past four years of a desire for a war memorial and, as we have said previously in these columns, if there had been such a sentiment, profoundly and generally held, something would have been done before this. There are many, no doubt, who do feel very deeply that the Cenotaph .in the Queen’s Gardens is Dunedin’s war memorial, a moving symbol of remembrance of those who have died in war —not only in the battles of 1914-18—and that nothing else is needed. There is much to be said in support of those who feel that as the monument has already been re-dedicated, the matter should be regarded as closed. It will be necessary for those who hold this opinion to see that it is presented at the decisive meeting, for there are others in the community who have different ideas. Sixteen war memorial proposals have already been considered by the Committee. Nine of them have been recommended for further consideration, and advice was received last year from the Department of Internal Affairs that any one of four would —if selected —be eligible for a Government subsidy. All four are of a utilitarian nature and possess a more or less sectional value. There will be keen, organised support for each of these proposals and it seems possible—if the Government continues the policy of subsidies—that one of them will finally be chosen. It may be regretted that the decision to subsidise certain types of memorials was ever made. It has undoubtedly created much friction and jealousy. It must be said that there is little prospect that many of the proposals would, if they were realised, retain any special significance in the eyes of the community. The need for sports centres, community halls, and so on, is not in dispute—but are such things war memorials? The people of Dunedin will one day be asked what their opinion is, and they must be prepared to answer in full sincerity.