PROPOSED SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12064, 28 May 1920, Page 8

PROPOSED SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL.

To The Editor. Slß,—The following letter was written-to Mr Kensington, 1.5.0., the chairman of the past meetings, on the 31st March last, but was held over because oE the then near Easter holidays and afterwards because of the Royal visit, I have now, however, posted the letter to Mr Kensington and shall te glad .if von will kindly publish it.—Yours faithfully, F. O. WILSON. .May 27th, 1920 (Copy of letter). Pukepapa Road, Marton, 31st March, 1920 W G Kensington, Esq., Bond Street, MartQn.. " Dear Sir,—To put this matter on aclear nnderstandicg it is probably best that I should write you with reference to my notice of motion. Therefore and for convenience sake and the purpose of quite clearing the ground I will move as follows: "That the previous resolution (if any) adopting a form of a Soldiers' Memorial be rescinded and that the Memorial tafee the form of a Public Hospital to be erected within the borough of Marton or the immediate vicinity." I suggest that the meetings previous to that of Friday evening last were of such meagre dimension that, though highly to the credit of- those who did take the trouble to attend, they could scaroely be deemed to represent the wishes of any considerable number of people, but the future promises to be of much greater interest. With" reference to the public meeting which before I gave my notice you intimated to me you would call, I desire to point out chat though the meeting of Friday was—l take it erroneously—called by the Town Clerk, this is not a municipal matter, but a public one, in which any person may take part and that, therefore, no solicitor's opinion ,is likely to be permitted to curtail the liberty of the individual to Hold, a meeting whenever and upon any lawful subject he may think fit. I mention this because I am not qniie clear whether you proposed to take Mr Martin's opinion for your personal guidance merely. If this be so there can be no objection. But should you not be able, alter all, to see your way to call such a meeting I am under the impression it will be called by requisition. I should regard this as an unfortunate course because it would, I think, be preferable to have the chief citizen of the town taking a leading part in the construction of a permanent institution which will not only be a grateful Memorial to our soldiers but, I am absolutely certain, a highly desirable benefit and a great and necessary boon and convenience to the sick and suffering-rand their relatives—in a large and populous district. ; . Dr. Crawford has tolii ma he will have much pleasure in seconding my proposed motion and, that the public hereabouts may be acquainted with the proceedings, I am asking the editor of the Advocate to kindly pnblish a copy of this letter.—Yours faithfully, F. C.. WILSON.