ROADS AS MEMORIALS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1956, 25 March 1919, Page 4

ROADS AS MEMORIALS.

A PLAN OF PROGRESSIVE

USEFULNESS

In Iho Now York Evening Post, Frederick Lincoln Smith writes. Almost coincident with signing of the iirmisjjce came a spontaneous out* hurst of feeling tiiat something big and worth while should bo done to commemorate (tie gratitude of the nation to those who ha-ve given their lives in the service of humanity. With the coming of peace this feeling' is bound to gain in intensity, and crystallise round some definite idea. One thing is certain —the present age does not look with favour upon useless display in monuments as a means of doing honour to a useful life. The Liberty Memorial, regardless of the form it may ultimately assume, must be something useful to the living in their everyday life, something not merely artistic and beautiful, but permanent in character, and stimulating to national growth and patriotism. Suggestions have hitherto taken the form of memorial buildings as centres of civic development, triumphal arches and bridges spanning mighty rivers between great cities and stales. It has occurred to me that all these worthy ends could be achieved if these memorial bridges and connecting avenues were linked up with the national reservations and parks in one grand comprehensive system of highways, embracing the whole country. Because of the obvious help of such a system in promoting great enterprises, the project is destined To win the vigorous support of financial interests. From its sentimental appeal to the patriotism of tlie nation, it is sure to gain the enthusiastic aid of historical and social organisal ions.

The arrangement of trunk lines and subsidiary branches, the method of naming highways, parks, ami bridges after distinguished soldiers and statesmen, the co-ordination of all details—should lie placed in the hands of a commission composed of men of recognised ability. Similar bodies should be appointed in each Stale to co-operate with the national organisation, which should also grant inter-St ale motor licenses. Such a system of perfected highways named in honour of our martyred dead would change materially ttie physical aspect of the country, and profoundly affect the current of national life. In its execution, there is scope for every variety of talent and ability, of brain and brawn, of zeal and enthusiasm. The plan has the added merit of progressive usefulness. While under construction if is useful. With every extension its utility is enhanced. In due lime would lie opened up. to the enjoyment of all, the gradeur of the sea and mountains, the charm of forest, lake and stream. With the revelation of the great out-of-doors, with the call from trees and flowers, clear air and sunshine, will come in larger measure the inspiration to nobler thoughts, and the resultant moral uplift so clearly observed among the wearied toilers let loose in magnificent parks of great cities.

In view of the marvellous effects already achieved by progressive States through improved highway-., it requires no stretch of the imagination lo visualise some of the results in health and enjoyment, if this spontaneous gratitude to our soldiers for their sacrifices over there could he transmuted into an enterprise so truly magnificent.

The sentiment of the country, quite aside from any consideration of a memorial, has long been ripe for such a system of roads. The exigencies of war have demonstrated the need and value of heller means of communication. No form of expenditure yields quicker returns in dividends or satisfaction, or leaves a deeper impress of permanent prosperity. This knowledge lias come from the experience of every community, and accounts for the rapid development of highway improvement. And now comes the noble sentiinent of patriotism, ready to supplement the idea of practical extension of national highways. What more is needed, save to bring the possibilities of the plan to the attention of the nation ?