A SUGGESTED WAR MEMORIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2516, 4 June 1902, Page 33

A SUGGESTED WAR MEMORIAL.

LORD RANFURLY'S APPEAL. AUCKLAND, June 2. At the Governor's .request fhe following is forwarded to the various papers: — "Now that peace has been declared, the question of raising some suitable memorial to those who have lost their lives in South Africa is worthy of consideration. No doubt statues, fountains, memorial windows, 4und church tablets will all be thought of and discussed. But though all these may beautify and civilise our country, they are of no real good to tho community. I ven-rure, therefore, to suggest that a fitting memorial would be one that would for time on end benefit the living. What more suitable than a real homo for old soldiers and bailors, a home co arranged that husband and wife, partners of many years, should not be necessarily separated, a home which should be for deserving veterans who in their declining years have insufficient means to liveon in fair comfort. Some New Zealanders. though young men, are incapacitated from gaining a- living, and there can be no question that such a bom© a& 1 de&ire to teo established would be a gTeat booD. If the | people of New Zealand sympathise with th© veterans and incapacitated New Z&alanders, let them form local committees and start to collect funds to carry out this scheme. Tho funds can - bo specially allocated as the committees may desire, such as for the support of one -cottage or one bed, or for building purposes. Should the public deem my suggestion worthy of support I shail try to obtain material assistance from tho Mother Country, as many of the present veterans (the majority of those who would in the" first instance benefit by the home) are Imperial soldiers and bailors who Ijave the proud honour of holding every medal from tho year 1844 to the present day. Such a home is really wanted. Imperial pensions and old-age pensions do ; not put these people beyond want, when one considers that five shillings at least per j week is the cost of house rent. Details are I matters for after consideration, but -the ' eventual managing committee should, under | any circumstances, be composed of those who have served their country. I earnestly hope that (ill lovera of our Empire may consider this matter and give their mite to help to make the last days of tho Empire's bold servants as happy as possible. — 1 have the honour, etc.. - I

WOOBSIBE. Maj 27. — At the Mission Hall an enjoyable evening concluded the holiday of the I 24th May. --=. temperance service of 1 song was well and sweetly rendered Iby the singing class conducted by Miss Pjrke, of Dunedin, and a solo " Awake psaltery and harp '" by that lady gave much pleasure, as well as solos by others who took part on this occasion. Ar organ solo by Mi Beaumont, of the Kaikorai, an advanced pupil of Miss Pyrke, brought the musical programme tc a conclusion. The story of Bart's efforts to reclaim his intemperate father, called " Bart's Joy," was read throughout the song service by Mr John White, of Outrani, and the happy conclusion of the narrative was accentuated by the singing of " Joy, joy, joy, at the prodigal's letnxn by the united voices of the choir and other musical friends. The hall was decorated with evergreens and bunting, and the fact that peace with South Africa was practically assured at that time will render this patriotic gathering memorable to all present at the TVoodside Mission Hall on the 24th May, 1902.