WAR MEMORIALS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16414, 7 January 1919, Page 7

WAR MEMORIALS.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THB FUSES." Sir, —Tho proposed war memorial in Cliristchurch has taken deop root in tho, public mind, and many excollont suggestions as to the shape it should tako have been made. The Canterbury lieturned Soldiers' Association has dccidcd upon tho erection of a Memorial Hall in Cliristchurch, the dominating character of which shall epitomise reverent memory, and bo emblematic of tho spirit of noble sacrifice with which our men defended civilisation from destruction. Their proposal is an exceedingly appropriate one; it follows the precedents handed down to us with tho ages of human struggles and racial patriotism. A war memorial should bo a direct stirring chronicle of heroic deeds and sacrifices, of unflinching duty, and stern resolve. It should 'bo animate with tho spirit of tho dead, a reflection of the soul of tho nation; it Bhoiild bo a place of pilgrimago to surviving comrades, and a perpetual inspiration to present and future generations, impel' ling them to keep inviolate the liber* ties and honour of their land and Empire. Such memorials are absolute in the interpretation of that one intention only. In their singular environments they fix themselves indelibly on the imagination, and provide food for no othor thought. They cannot be expected to fulfil their groat purpose if there is an artificial blending of the great acts of epoch-making war with, say, tree-planting, or a university college, which are commonplaoe. Trees will bo broken to bits, or uprooted by storms, and cease to bo regarded with interest; they will never give inspiration as living symbols of a nation's heroos. A- collegiate establishment cannot bo other than part of the domestic educational system of tho State, serving a definite economic purpose, and not a hallowed place affording uninterrupted access to numbers bent on offering a silent thought to tho lamented dead. Education is an established policy of state, and nothing else, unless it is utilised as a plank in party politics. Hall, Mausoleum, or Monument —I think preference should bo given to tho first-named as a structure which woulu contribute most directly in vividly commemorating the war nistory of Canterbury, and provido a proud adornment to tho "City of the Plains." It is, I believe, tho hope of tho Returned Soldiers' Association to erect a building in every way worthy of the devout object in view—an enduring monument to thoir fallen comrades, and their own surviving ranks. There should not be any discouragement in regard to providing the funds necessary to effect the complete scope of tho inspiring , scheme. Tho proposed building should ho thoroughly classic in 6tyle, eay lonic or Corinthian, with vaulted roof, Externally and internally, it should j be adorned with sculptures and emblematical designs, tasteful in its interior decorations and fittings, with Cathedral windows; and bo also provided with a stage and organ loft. It should have clogant panels for mural tablets to tho memory of the dead. Attached to tho hall there should be a library and reading room devoted to the histories., battta stories, and general literature of tho war; also a museum containing trophies and other kindred mementoes from tho various theatres of the war. Most desirable as an adjunct would ho a picture' or art gallery, formed by voluntary gifts. Its wall should display portraits of our Sovereigns, who3Q reign will be memorable for all tim© for the most stupendous conflict the world has experienced. There should bo portraits of famous generals, statesmen. and leaders of the Empire, and of our Allies; portraits of our V.C.'s should be given prominence in the gallery, together with a collection of photographs of officers and men who composed the Canterbury regiments of all arms, and also of the devoted nurses and padres. All these , would form an eloquent, ever-living testimony of devotion to duty and self' sacrifice, which would quicken with patriotic pride the blood of succeeding generations. Such a memorial would be a sacred Mecca to paronts, wives, sisters, brothers, and friends. It would be a pleasant meeting place for old comrades-in-arms, whero they oou'd "fight their battles o'er again." Wo should secure a French architect and artist to provide us with a. worthy dosign. Our national stolidity cannot impart tho eloquence to such structures as the genius of the Frenchman can. —Yours, etc., H.A.C. Christchurch, January 4th, 1910.