WESTLAND WAR MEMORIAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1920, Page 1

WESTLAND WAR MEMORIAL.

The position of tlie Westland War Memorial fund was mentioned by Mr IK vans, the lion. Secretary last night. Ho said that to date £6lO 13s 4d had been lodged in the National Bank to the credit of the fund, and that in addition to the. Savings Bank contribution of £2OO, and other sums promised, there were a large number of country lists still to lie accounted for. Over £1 000 was in sight certainly; and there are hopes t-lie fund will go to £1,200 or £1,300 inside of a fortnight. Severe 1 outside contributions were being raised from unexpected quarters. Yesterday £ll odd came to hand from Camerons. Cheques were received also from personal donations, from iichland in the north to Oamaru in the .-.onth, from ex-residents who showed a personal interest in the movement. This spontaneous aid to the fund was really very pleasing and tho spirit shown a.. lives the success. In some of the centres elsewhere, friends are kindly collecting for the fund. Mrs R. «T. Sed lon in Wellington is ono of those assisting in this way, and tlio assistance will be very welcome. To suit several of the country collectors, tho time for the district collection has 'been extended to meet 1 >cal requirements, but it is hoped to have all country returns (including the schools) in iby May Bth. As soon thereafter as possible a meeting of the committee will be held, the nosit ion of the fund ascertained and a decision reached ns to further action. It is as well to say, however, that tho full £1,500 will he required, as it is not intended to skimp the memorial in any way. Where' those, who have already contributed, can supplement their donations, the help will he greatly appreei ited. After the interest taken hv the ueoplc in the laying of the foundation stone, under s'uch stressful weather conditions, there can lie no doubt about the spirit in which the people, view the whole matter, and the question of some additional funds being needed requires to be mentioned only to secure the needed response.

Mr Evans thought that from the suggested designs coming to hand it would be possible to .secure a very dignified and impressive memorial creditable alike to the purpose and to the spirit animating the people in 'reeling it. Several designs were to hand already. Others from Melbourne and Sydney were on the water and designs '.ere expected also from England next month. There would thus he every choice, and from the interest tak. n by the Committee, in the project it could lie relied upon that every care would be taken in making the choice, v,bich would be a worthy memorial "or all time.