MEMORIAL TABLET

Southland Times, Issue 17816, 21 August 1916, Page 2

MEMORIAL TABLET

UNVEILED AT WALLACE COUNTY OFFICES. On Friday, prior to the ordinary business commencing, the Chairman of the Wallace County Council (Mr F. J. Linscott), In the presence of a number of friends and relatives, unveiled a tablet in the Council Chambers, in memory of the late Private L. V. King, who was killed in France recently, and who, prior to enlisting, was employed as a cadet in the Wallace County office. In performing the ceremony, Mr Llnscott said that, although he appreciated keenly the honour copferred on film, yet ho felt a tinge of sadness. The ceremony he was performing was an indication that the Council would keep green the memory of one who had fought and died in the great war. He believed that Lauritz Victor King went out to fight, believing that the cause he was endeavouring to uphold was the freedom of humanity. It must be a great consolation to his bereaved relatives to know that the deceased lad had earned such a fine reputation as a citizen, and as a Christian. He thought that for the welfare of New Zealand It was a pity there were not more like him, and he was very pleased that a tablet had been erected In the office as an appreciation of one who nobly and valiantly had laid down his life for bis King and Country, which action would cause Private King’s name to bo handed down from generation to 'generation. He read a letter from Mr A. V.' King, father of the fallen soldier, wbicli was as follows: — “Myself and family deeply appreciate your kindly sympathy over the loss of our son Laurie. We also feel deeply grateful in your decision to erect a tablet to his memory in the Council Chamber.”, The tablet, which was designed by Mr G. C. Baker, County Engineer, is a very handsome one. The wording is engraved in black relief on a brass plate mounted on dark wood. The engraving Is also splendidly done. The wording on the tablet is as follows; — “Dedicated by tbe Wallace County Council to tho memory of Its late cadet, Lauritz Victor King, aged 20 years, who os a private In the N.Z. Expeditionary Force died on July 5, 1916, of wounds received while fighting for the Empire and' her Allies.” An enlarged photo of Private King, taken in Prance In the-.vicinity of Armentieres In June, 1916, is hung over the. tablet