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FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL.

DEPUTATION WAITS ON COUNCIL.

KERB TO REPLACE OLD FENCE

Last night finality was reached in connection with the removal of the old post and chain fence around the Triangle, when, after a lengthy discussion, a deputation from the local Returned Soldiers Committee was granted permission to remove the ancient relics and erect a suitable concrete kerb in its place. The deputation, which was introduced by Cr. Cowley, consisted of Messrs F. G. Yeo, Clarke, H. Hornblow, B. Walls and R. Byne. t Mr Yeo, in asking for permission for his Committee to remove the fence and erect in its place a nineinch concrete kerb, said that the Returned Soldiers did not think the present- fence was in keeping with the memorial, and was not worthy of the sacrifices made by the men whose names were enscrolled on the monument. It was held up to ridicule by people passing through Foxton, and the men did not like that sort of thing. They intended to make the monument in keeping with the sacrifice made. In other towns Borough Councils, had voted large sums to war memorials, but they had not conic there to ask for a large donation. Pro* viously, on the casting vote of tho Mayor, the matter was held over for consideration by the new Co-, uncil, when the Council had been asked to do all the work at a cost of from £3O to £4O. The Returned Soldiers Committee now had an estimate of £ls 10s Od for the work. The Returned men had a civic pride, and did not like to see the memorial ridiculed, but wanted to make the site and memorial worthy of the town. Their request was for per-, mission to remove the, post and chain fence and erect in its place a concrete kerb around the plot, and in connection with this work the Returned Soldiers desired a subsidy of £7 18s, which would be made lighter by the sale, of the posts and chains, which belonged to the Council.

The Mayor said he was pleased to receive tho deputation, and to know that a body of men were willing to help themselves. The matter had been before the Council on two previous occasions, but on each oc-. casion it had been decided that there were more necessary works to be done. Another point was that the Triangle was a public street, and not a reserve, it was proposed at that time that the Council do ail the work itself, but now the Returned men were prepared to assist financially. This was a fine example of citizenship, and the interest they were evincing in their home town. The Council, however, had to be very cautious as to how it spent the ratepayers’ money. The fence had been erected long before t lie memorial, and had cost a good deal of money, and he had felt that mony could be spent to better advantage in other parts of the town than at the Triangle. That was why the matter had been held over. He felt sure that the Council would go into the present plans carefully, and if they felt that it would be an improvement to that corner of the town, that it would give the request favourable consideration.

Mr Yeo stated that the Committee intended at some future date to place an electric light on top of the memorial.

Cr. Cowley said there were 32 good posts in the Triangle, besides a picket fence. These could be used in connection with fencing the Town Hall cottage section, and thus effect a saving.

Cr. Walker estimated that the posts and chains would realise £6, so the Council would only have to find £1 18s. He was absolutely in favour of the scheme.

Cr. Thompson said he was not satisfied with the small kerb. The estimate was too low, and it appeared to him to be too much like

A MEAN JOB. He would like to see something better, and an architect draw up plans for the work.

' Cr. Parkin said that it was wellknown that he was a thorn in the flesh of the fence proposal. If the posts and chains were removed, everyone in. Foxton would be wandering across the plot! A concrete kerb was. all right, but the proposed one was not high enough. He was in favour of the posts and chains being removed if something was put in place of them. PIPES AND WIRE. Continuing, Cr. Parkin- said that it would be no trouble to put an inch pipe along the top of the kerb and wire it on to the posts. Unless this was done every Tom, Dick and Harry in Foxton would make a track across the enclosure, or else they would see some cow tied to the monument! The monument must be guarded, and the old fence was not unsightly. Cr. Cowley said he would move that the request be granted. He did not agree with the pipe and wire scheme. Children could swing on the present chains, but tbey certainly could not on a pipe and wire arrangement. Cr. Walker: I’ll second the motion. The Mayor said that it was absolutely necessary to have some protection for women and children sitting in the Triangle. With only a kerb they would feel that they were sitting out in the open. The Courthouse corner was all right, as it had a kerb and footpath to protect it, and was much safer. He was of opinion that an architect could probably draw up a better

plan than the one submitted. Tin work should also be under the Co uncil’s supervision to a certain extent if carried out. The price was too low. An EXPENDITURE OF £3O would be more satisfactory. The matter could also he referred to the Beautifying Society, and probably a better arrangement could be come to with their assistance. That body might feel hurt if overlooked. Out of courtesy they should refer the matter to them. Mr Yeo: If the Council will help us, v we are prepared to raise the sum to be expended to £3O. The original price was £l9, but Mr T. W. Hunt had made a donation of the difference. The Mayor: We should have SOMETHING MORE ORNATE. f This plan is very plain. Cr. Parkin: It should be a twelve inch wall at least. The motion' of Crs Cowley and Walker was then put, that the Returned Soldiefs be granted permission to remove the posts and chains and erect a concrete kerb, plans of which are to be approved by the Council, and half the cost of which the Council will bear up to £3O, was carried unanimously.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19270510.2.13

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3636, 10 May 1927, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
1,120

FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3636, 10 May 1927, Page 2

FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3636, 10 May 1927, Page 2

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