WELLINGTON BELLS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1932, Page 3

WELLINGTON BELLS

TRADITION followed

TEE INSCRIPTIONS THEREON

WELLINGTON, April 26

In accordance with well-established tradition in England and Europe, the whole of the hells in the Wellington War Memorial Carillon have been named and bear inscriptions on them. The object has been to impart a personality ito each bell, and the hope is expressed that when the Grand Carillon rings forth, each bell will so become affectionately known in the minds and hc"” f s of tb" peonle. The bourdon bell, of the first instai.uvnr.s or ad be.is, given in memory of the 1700 men of Wellington city and suburbs who gave their lives in the Great War, .has been appropriately named "Rco Wairua,” meaning ‘‘Spirit Voice,” and underneath the dedication lir.es bears the words "Ana! He Tangi Aroha,” which, translated, means "Hark! A Cry of Love.” This selves as an introduction to the whole carillon, and is regarded as singularly fitting for such a fine set of War Memorial bolls. This ball weighs 4 tons 19cwt. Iqr. 131 b., and in accordance with *he .tradition of all “Bourdon” bells, is specially decorated carrying a frev.e of fern leaves and flax as New Zealand ernbb'vns upon its shoulder. j Thu next three great bells of 4 tons le.,t. . oiu., tons, o. iu, 0.| r. tin., and 2 tons 19cwt. 18lb., respectively, represent the three main theatres in wtiioh the New Zealand Expeditionary Force fought during the Great War, and .are dedicated to the New Zealand Division, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, in that order. They have been named “The Somme." “Anzae.” and "Palestine,” and carry appropriate quotations from the commanders under whom the respective units of the X.Z.N.F. served. The fifth be],, weighing 2 tons 6cwt. 201 b., bears th? arms of the Royal Navy, and is iianr.l "Jutland” ; the .seventh bell, 1 ton 13cwt. 2qr. 141 b., is called "The. Seven Sens," and i- dedicated to the memory of .the British Mercantile Marine. The balance include the O’-vil Service bell, two district bo 1 Is, six N.Z.E.F. unit bolls, and 32 next-of-kin bells. The great .bulk of these next-of-kin bells

■ ave been named after the engagement nearest the town or place where .the soldiers to whom they are dedicated fell.'