AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 710, 9 July 1929, Page 10

AN UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Sir, — After a visit to that noble building in the Domain, the War Memorial Museum, I have come to the conclusion that the interests of the museum have been uppermost in the minds of the executive committee. The Hall of Memories is placed “two flights up” in an open gallery. The position now appears to be that the thing most necessary to satisfy the demand of the whole community is the much-desired cenotaph, without which the memorial would certainly not be complete. This seems to be an ambition that we are unlikely to realise. There appears to be no fund available for the purpose. But very earnestly I suggest that there need be no difficulty in this direction if the committee can be persuaded to ar-

range for the interment of an unknown New' Zealand warrior. This has been objected to as being opposed to the spirit and character of the lonely grave in Westminster Abbey which, it is claimed, is representative of the whole British Empire. It has been said that such a tomb would be out of place here. But surely the splendid spirit in which that noble tribute was conceived finds no ungenerous or unworthy place in our thought. It is in this we have found inspiration to suggest that fitting honour—in like form —be done to our own gallant sons who remain where they fell in the field of battle and who must take first place in our hearts. We cannot remain unmoved by the thought that it would be one of these who would sanctify the grave we propose and impart to it that human touch which would place us more in intimate association with those to whose heroic dead we desire to pay tribute. If the Memorial Committee shows any inclination to act in a generous spirit in this proposal it will immensely increase its power and influence. This concession to public sentiment would be a gracious act that would he promptly responded to with an enthusiastic outburst of goodwill, and this would ensure the required generous support to complete the splendid undertaking now so nearly tproaching completion. I most earnestly urge the v\'ar Memorial Committee to give this suggestion its most favourable consideration. ANZAC.