The Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1920. THE WAR MEMORIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19869, 10 February 1920, Page 4

The Star. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1920. THE WAR MEMORIAL.

The war memorial movement lias dragged for so long that it is at least encouraging to sec (hat the committee has come to a decision. The meeting of the committee was not a. largo one. but that was not the fault of those members who attended, and thev were unite justified in making their selection from tlie alternative proposals submit' tod. Mo have all along supported tho erection of a Hall of Memories, in conjunction with a war museum, as an annexe to the Canterbury Museum. IVo believe that such a memorial would have made a strong popular appeal, and would have boon supported by the northern part of the province. However, the commit tee has not decided in favour ef that proposal, but. was very evenly divided between a hiidge of remembrance over Cashel Street, and a memorial cenotaph in Cathedral csqttare. The latter proposition was supported by the representatives of tho Returned troidiers' Association, and was eventually carried. The City Council will be approached for permission to erect the memorial on the small gnss plot formerly occupied by the Oodloy statue, and it may bo assumed taat tho request, will be granted. It may be a timely occasion on which to point out to tho Returned Soldiers’ Association that in carrying the cenotaph proposal it has very definitely sacrificed the Hall of Memories. A cenotaph in Cathedral Square, if it is to be an impressive and artistic memorial, will have to be planned on noble lines, and stand out distinctively in its surroundings, hj should not bo built of bricks and mortar, but of marble and granite. The amount which it is proposed to raise will, wo think, cover the cost of a fine cenotaph. The committee, we are glad to admit, has made a not unworthy choice, and we hope that when tho canvass for funds begins there will bo a revival of enthusiasm and a generous response.