The Star. THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1921. THE WAR MEMORIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16324, 13 January 1921, Page 6

The Star. THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1921. THE WAR MEMORIAL.

The National War Memorial appears to be. in much the same position as the Christchurch memorial. Thfe selection of a site is awaiting the presence in Wellington of members of the Cabinet, and designs have to be obtained. In regard to funds, the National Memorial has the advantage, as the money lias been assured by the simple pirocess of a grant by Parliament. We would like to see more activity displayed in connection with the local memorial— or rather memorials, seeing that two schemes have been adopted. There is .no need to detail tho long drawn out history of the movement —it has been a record of procrastination and oven indifference. I'll© holidays are over, and the executive should make an effort to give strict attention to their task. It will take tome time to secure and select the designs, and tlio process of erection will not be a speedy , one. The financial position also should receive careful consideration. The amount raised so far is not very creditable to Christchurch, and we believe that something better could be done. Auckland has raised a sum which completely dwarfs the result of the Canterbury appeal, and tho northern city is assured of the possession of a memorial which cannot fail to be a credit to it. We hope to see the Major take the lead in pushing both the fund and the completion of the work. A few days ago, in announcing his candidature for a further term of office, Dt Thacker expressed tho hope that, if elected, he would be aided by a more progressive council. What the present councillors think of this uncomplimentary reflection we do not know, but some of them might ask whether the Mayor has set an example m practical progressiveness? In drawing l)r Thacker’s attention to the position of the memorial we are giving him an opportunity of displaying the quality which lie would, like to see in the next council. A Mayor with the requisite driving force and personality could place himself at the head of the movement, and carry it to thei building stage in two or three months. Dr Thacker is not destitute of the qualities which attract a popular following, and we think that he might very profitably head a vigorous effort to place the war memorial movement where it ought to be. At the present rate of progress the memorial promises to be as long a contract a* the Otira tunnel.