A SUGGESTION FOR A NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 76, 23 December 1919, Page 8

A SUGGESTION FOR A NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL

Sir,—Throughout this district, and also throughout New Zealand there is a feeling,that something great and out of tho ordinary way should be done to pay a lasting tribute to the men who sacrificed their lives in tho great Mar. It so happens that in this district out at 'J'enui there is a hill that is similar in appearance to 971 on Gallipoli where our soldiers mado a name for Now Zealand, that will never be forgotten, the whole world admired their pluck and bravery on the memorable day, August 8, when 800 New Zealanders captured. but could not hold this famous lull, being either killed or wounded in the attempt. The hill in this district, I ant assured, and by photographs I have seen, is tho same in appearance, with its rugged sides and shape, and from tne lop is a beautiful view of the surroundinjr country and away.to the east tho sea, with Cashpoint Cliff and settlement, the landing and resting-place of the hardy settlers that made this district. So similar to Hill 971 is this hill that tho Army chaplain, the Key. Mr. Ashcroft, last -Ansae Day scaled to its top and placed a cross on the summit, a token standing in solemn grandeur in the sky line to tho memory of the. brave men he knew. Now, Sir, would it he possible to secure this hill for all time and place a cross on its summit with a rough track up to it, placing on the steps of tho. monument the names of every soldier that died who went from th; Masterton district? I feel sure it would be a place of interest to every New Zealander, and it might be possible to make it a national memorial with the words inscribed in largo letters on the side of the elm 971 and a huge memorial stone at the foot with the IGOOO names of every ™an that fell in the great, war from New Zealand. In making this suggestion I have in mind the crave of that Empirebuilder, Cecil Rhodes, which is situated out in the wild Matapoc Hills of Rhodesia. Lonelv, solemn, but grand, and though out of tho way thousands of people visit it to pay their respects to his memoTV, and I think if the lull 1 have referred to were made a memorial to our Entire's defonders people from all parts of New Zealand would visit it- to pay their respects to our honoured dead. Tf this .suggestion appeals to you perhaps some public body or .association, will take tho matter 220 Queen Street, Masterton.