Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1920. THE DUTY OF THE PEOPLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 1920. THE DUTY OF THE PEOPLE.

To-morrow begins an appeal for £1,500 for the-purpose of rearing a, memorial to the hundred men or more from West land who fell in the Great War. Those who fell were the friends of all—for what greater sacrifice is there than to lay down one’s life for another. Such, indeed was what transpired when we speak of the “supreme sacrifice” made'for those left behind. They were the men

who “Laid the world away; poured out the red. Sweet wine of youth; gave up the years to be Of work and joy, and that unhoped serene, That men call age.” Is there not a duty, then to recognise that sacrifice in some way? The duty is laid upon the people as a whole, and so it comes to pass that for the

next ten days the people at Large will be asked to remember the fallen and rear an outward and visible monument to their memory by which all who come after will recall the deeds done, > and the names of those who fell in the great and common canes. The district will do itself no small honor if in the limited period of time set for the purpose it raises the amount required. The sum is not beyond the means of the people. Guaged by the patronage bestowed on ephemeral pleasures, the j amount might be subscribed many times over. Yes, the people can do it—and they should. In calculating what they might contribute, it is not so much what can he afforded, ns what ought to be given. It is an occasion when the position might be stretched for there nr no value too great which could lie plncon the hundred lines which were given; no, nor no value which can he placed on the freedom we now enjoy, if for very lack of sacrifice the success of the war should have been tilted the other way, the position to-day would he very different. The enemy would exact from ns every available farthing, and appropriate goods of value at n minimum

price— if they had the decency to offer a figure at all! Prom a selfish point of view therefore, the district owes it to the fallen to memoralise their names and their sacrifice. But we would like the people to be moved by a higher sense of duty—the recognition in tbe highest spirit of appreciation of the nobility of the great sacrifice made. The men went forth unselfishly for the defence of }he Empire. They faced the rigors of war, such as wo stay-at-homes have but a glimmering knowledge. The ordeal of war was exacting, and in addition to passing through that test, they faced bullets, bayonets and disease. The pomp and circumstance of war passed all too quickly for them, foi “The path of glory led but to the grftvo.” So, it is for us to rear a trophy o’er their tomb to awaken memories of the gallants, who our own kith and kin, our comrades, and companions are now heroes. 'They have made history, ami leave a tradition behind them which will he an inspiration for those who come after. With these feelings in mind the people may be relied upon to do their duty in the matter of this appeal. Within a period of ton days I Westland has the opportunity of adding a fresh honor to its record, and securing worthy renown for doing the right thing in the right way at the right time.