THE MOORHOUSE MEMORIAL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2333, 24 September 1881, Page 3

THE MOORHOUSE MEMORIAL.

There can, we think, be but one feeling, and that of congratulation, in connection with the meeting on Thursday, to consider the erection of a memorial to commemorate the services of the late William Sefton Moorhouso. What wo especially refer to was the unanimity of feeling upon the one point, viz., that whatever honour it was in the power of the people to bestow should be given. Of the response that will be made to the appeal for contributions, there can bo no doubt. It will, we think, be found that every part of the provincial district will bo eager to take a part in the erection of the proposed memorial. The feeling is widespread, and not confined to one particular portion, because wo are assured that in Westland even there is a desire to take part in the movement. We hope the committee will foster and encourage this spirit by affording facilities for residents in every part of the Provincial District to contribute, should they so desire. Though the memorial is to bo erected in Christchurch, it is to be—if we may use the word—national property. It is the expression of the feelings, not of Christchurch alone or its immediate neighborhood, but of every corner of this vast and flourishing district. As one of the speakers at the meeting on Thursday happily put it, could the deceased express his wish in the matter, he would far rather be honoured by the whole of the residents of the place he loved so well than by a few personal friends. Then, again, we think the meeting is to be congratulated, both on the choice of the shape which the gratitude of Canterbury should take and also the site selected. No man more than William Sefton Moorhouso fully appreciated, or strove to render available for the public, the grand Domain Christchurch possesses. It was, after the groat life work to which he devoted himself heart and soul, one of his most cherished aspirations to see formed a people’s park. This being so, where could a more fitting place be found for the erection of the memorial to him than the Domain. So far as the selection of the statue goes, this also will receive the hearty support of the majority of the people. Scholarships are all very well in their way, and as the Doan put it pithily but forcibly, may be very properly used to commemorate the services of men less distinguished than the late Mr. Moorhouse. The remembrance of donors of scholarships fades away, but whilst in our midst stands what wo hope will not only be a memorial to which wo as Canterbury settlors can point with pride, but also which will be one which the whole colony can admire, the memory of the subject of it will always bo green. It now only remains for the people to do what wo feel sure they are only too willing to do, viz., make it one worthy alike of him in whose honour it is erected and themselves.