SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4433, 28 June 1922, Page 3

SOLDIERS’ MEMORIAL.

UNVEILING AT WHAREPOA. AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. To tiie memory of the men from the Wharepoa-Omahu district who fell and those who fought in the Greac War, 1914-19, was the object of) a monument which was unveiled on Sunday by Mr. T. W. Rhodes, M.P. Despite the adverse weather conditions there was a very large attendance, those present including settlers from many miles’ round and numbers from Thames and Paeroa. Till after one o’clock rain was falling, but, fortunately, the clouds lifted, and though the roads were in a very watery state the . conditions did not deter a. large crowd from attending. The 6th Haur,aki Regimental Band was in attendance, and played the music for the hymns, and after the ceremony rendered a few marches. The monument is a handsome one of granite with (our polished slabs, on which are inscribed in letters of gold the 39 names o’: those who left that district to serve in the war. A little gold cross against nine of the names denotes those who paid the supreme sacrifice. The monument is on the school; corner, and .is fenced triangularly. The ceremony was an impressive one, and a study of the solemn faces made one certain that everyone present was deeply touched by the significance of the monument. THE SERVICE. The playing of the National Anthem by the band opened the service, and was followed by a few remarks by the chairman, Mr. E. Elliott. The chairman, on behalf of the Wharepoa-Omahu Patriotic Committee, extended to all a hearty welcome. It had been his endeavour for sonic time to have something erected in honour of those who fought from this district and he felt proud that 'on that day a memorial was to be unveiled. Thirty-nine men had gone from the district and nine had paid the supreme sacrifice. The singing of Rudyard Kipling’s Recessional Hymn, “God of) Our Fathers,” was followed by scripture reading by the Rev, F. B. Dobson (Paeroa), who selected the 90th psalm, which commenced with the words “God has been our, icfuge from one generation to another.’’ Prayers were then said by the Rev. D. C. Stewart, of Turua, and an address by Mr. W. Danby, of Thames, followed. GUARDING OUR HERITAGE.. Mr. Danby congratulated the people of the district on the erection of the fine memorial. ■ In that tangible form they had given an expression of their gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the men who fought. It was an appreciation of remembrance. They had fought for freedom, justice, truth, and honour. No more suitable site could have been obtained for th 2 monument than outside the school, and it would serve to remind the children that, the heritage which we enjoyed must be guarded at great cost. He recalled the early days of 1914, when Germany defied the world, and traced the history of Britain’s entry. British participation in the war became inevitable. If Britain had run away from its obligations with regard to the Belgian treaty the nation would have lost' all respect. The stone reminded all that rights of all small nations must be respected for honour and justice. It re-' minded, also, of the response of the Dominions to the Motherland’s call. Nations within a nation were drawn together with unity. It had been a stern rebuke to the erroneous teaching and the strict militarism of Germany. Reference was made to the “contemptible little army” of 1914, which grew into the vast army. There was a magnificent response by the Dominion, which from a population of' 1,000,000 sent an army of 100,000. Their deeds would be remembered throughout the ages. The efforts of the members of the 6th Hauraki Regiment had been crowned with victory. Many of the boys had returned and some had not returned, but had given their lives. He made reference to the heroism of- the mothers in giving their sons, some giving, as many as six boys to fight. The memorial was a just appreciation to the efforts of the boys who had fought. May it ev2r be a memorial stone to remember, “lest we forget.”

Mr. Danby’s address was followed by a selection by the band, after which. Mr. T. W. Rhodes, M.P., con.ductod the unveiling. HEROES, EVERY ONE.

Mr. Rhodes said he was pleased and proud, to see such a large gathering, in spite of the adverse weather conditions, to take part in a. ceremony to remind them of the boys who fought for the dear old flag. He could not let the occasion pass without paying a tribute to those who left the district and fought, gave their; aV and died, and to those who mourned for the dead. It was not incumbent on him to say a great deal more, but he observed, “why do we erect monuments of this kind ?” It was because “lest we forget.” It would serve to remind all: of the number who went, and those who gave their lives. The Dominion had) done well, but the Whnrepoa-Oma.hu district had done more than well, sending a larger proportion than most districts. Here Mr. Rhodes drew away the flag covering the monument and read the names of; those who fell. He said they were heroes, every one of them. He also read the names of those who wont and were prepared to give their lives. In conclusion he expressed pleasure at seeing the Hauraki Band and the large-number of'returned Hauraki men present.

WREATHS FOR REMEMBRANCE. The "Last Post” was then sounded, and later the Dead March was played by the band during an impressive silence while wreaths were placed upon the memorial, some by men. others by the womenfolk, in memory of their dear ones who had fallen and whose names were inscribed in letters of gold on the polished granite. A hymn, “0 God our Help in Ages Past,” was then sung. Before the ceremony closed with the benediction and “God Save the King.” the chairman apologised on

behalf of Mr. Miller (Mayor of Thames) and the Rev. Mills, for then unavoidable absence. The chairman also expressed regret that the committee had; been unable to secure the services for the occasion of Rev. Mitchell, who was the chaplain for the boys when they were at the front. On behalf of the committee the chair--man ext ended thanks to the speaker s and to the band.