FALLEN SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 18975, 23 June 1923, Page 5

FALLEN SOLDIERS

THE PROPOSED MONUMENT. A meeting of the General Committee was held at the secretary’s office on Wednesday evening last. There were present, Messrs H. W. Royds (chairman), C. J. Brodrick, C. Bradfield, J. Ward, E. R. Wilson, H. J. Farrant, and Dr Pottinger. Mr J. H. White was also in attendance, representing Messrs Coombs and White. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs R. J. Gilmour, F. W. Biasitt, W. A. Ashley, T. Hide, E. Abbey Jones, and J. E. Winsloe. Mr Ashley was to have moved in the direction of substituting a symbolical inscription in lieu of individual names, but, owing to sickness, he was unable to be present and the motion was held over. A lengthy discussion took place on the subject, however, and the difficulty of defining the limits of names to be inscribed was again emphasised. In the course of an explanatory letter Mr Ashley suggested that a book of imperishable material might be compiled and kept in a suitable place; in such book could be written the names of all Southland men who had fallen; the list to be properly collated, showing the separate distrists from when the men had enlisted, whether they died overseas or since return, and other information of a suitable nature. The book could be maintained for all time, and additions made as occasion required. Several members stated it was necessary, according to promise, to have the names inscribed on the Monument; but it was suggested that the task appeared to be an impossible one. The secretary stated that he had been unofficially informed that the Executive of the R.S.A. were in favour of Mr Ashley’s suggestion, and that the inscription symbolising the sacrifices made by all who had fallen would be most appropriate.

Mr J. H. White exhibited two prepared plans for suggested lay-out of site. These plans were fully discussed, and it was decided to approve of Plan No. 1, subject to some slight amendment. After the plan has been altered it was resolved that it should be sent to the Borough Council with a request that a sub committee might wait on the Council with the object of having the plan accepted, and tree planting commenced this season. By this means the Monument, when erected, would have quite a suitable setting. Taking advantage of Mr White’s visit, a general discussion took place, the most important question considered being the matter of the artificial lighting of the monument.