TO THE PEOPLE OF TAIHAPE AND DISTRICT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3653, 15 December 1920, Page 8

TO THE PEOPLE OF TAIHAPE AND DISTRICT.

You uro probably aware that at a publicity convened meeting of the people of this district it was unanimously decided to appeal for funds for a. Soldiers’ Memorial in Taihape. What the nature of the memorial shall be depends mainly upon the flnnsincial result of the appeal. One feature, however, was decided upon by a majority resolution carried at the meeting referred to, viz., that the memorial shall be purely monumental, and that none! of the money subscribed shall be expended on any work of a utilitarian character. The main factor influencing this decision was the telling appeal made by the Returned Soldiers, who feel deeply that a memorial to perpetuate the memory of their • fallen comrades should be of such a character as to promote feelings of the deepest reverence in the hearts of those for whom the supreme sacrifice was

made. The memory of the men from this district who met death in all humility- \ and said ‘My Country!' Here is my life: take it that others might live in Freedom!” is already enshrined in the hearts of the people. Time, however, renders memory’s impressions less distinct as the years roll by, and already a new generation is gradually replacing our own. Let us, therefore, while our grief is yet hot, and tears still scald the checks of mothers and fathers at the memory of their lads w!o died so nobly for their counry’s cause—yes, and for God’s cause — build to their lasting memory a menu- ' meat that will symbolise the solemn ’cverence avo haA-e for the lads “Gone West.” Let our effort be Avorthy of ourselves, and the result, as nearly as we can make it, worthy of our honoured dead.

The committee sincerely hope that every member of the community will bear a share in the cost of the memorial. To the poor and to the children who feel the desire to be associated with the movement let mo say that even your pence, given in the true spirit of reverence and* gratitude will be accounted as great as the larger donations of others; for it is the' spirit more than the gift that counts and it. is desired that none shall bo denied an opportunity of contributing.

To those more fortunately situated financially, let me appeal to you to give liberally. Eemcmber it is for a ihomorial to our boys who will never return. When they made the ‘’Supreme Sacrifice” for us they did not ask “Can I Afford It?” They gave their all without a whimper. We, who are left to mourn* their loss are not asked to give our all. not even or our possessions, much less our lives, but do let us make this offering in the true spirit of reverence and gratitude, and with such liberality as will ensure the erection of a fitting memorial to our dead heroes.

As organiser of the movement I shall endeavour to see as many of the residents of the district as possible, but I would ask those who wish to help, and I am sure be none who will refuse, not to wait, but to send their contributions either to the Treasurer, Mr J. R. Cunninghame. Taihape, or to myself. Yours faithfully, S. P. REID (Organiser).