SOLDIERS' OBELISK.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1915, Page 8

SOLDIERS' OBELISK.

UNVEILLYG AT WAITARA. The unveiling 0 f U„. o l, p]isk iu t , SWdic*. Cemetery, Waitaru, on T|„,£ day afternoon next, in memory of Lientenant .Brookes, Sergeant OtWhHnn and thirty-three others, mostly of Ihe J'lglrting Fortieth Regiment, who we™ killed j n the attack on Puketakauero la on June 27, ISGO, is an event „ossess.ing more than ordinary significance to the pioneer settlers of this dominion and particularly to Taranaki people' Sergeant Markouram, R.A., who took part in the engagement, in his interesting book, terms June 27 " a most memorable day." Tt certainly was disastrous to the British forces, for out of a total of less than 350 men eighteen per cent were put out of action, the Maoris, reinforced by large numlbers of the Waikato and King Country, outnumbering the British forces by three to one. It is expected that three or four of the 4fltli men, now living in Auckland, and who took part in the engagement, will he present on Thursday afternoon, as well as veterans from Taranaki and Wangamii. The Government has shown a. desire that is praiseworthy in connection wiUUJic cretetion to our brave defenders ik perilous times. Mr. W. T. Jennings, member of Parliament for Taunianmui. has been asked by the Mayor and citizens erf Waitam to officiate at Thursday's function, the Hon James Allen, Defence Minister, being unable to attend, .