CARDIFF WAR MEMORIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 May 1922, Page 8

CARDIFF WAR MEMORIAL.

A HANDSOME MONUMENT. UNVEILING CEREMONY. The ceremony of unveiling the war memorial at Cardiff was held yesterday, in the presence of a large gathering of Oaraiff people and prominent citizens of Stratford. In addressing those present, Mr. J. T Belcher, who presided, after apologising for the unavoidable absence of the Rev Father Maples, Mr. E. Walter (chairman of the -Stratford County Council) and Mr. J. B. Hine, said he was glad to see so many present to do honor to those in memory o f whom the monument was erected. He thanked the Stratford County Council for giving the ground whereon the monument stood, also Mr. Healy, the architect, for his excellent design, and the contractors, for their good work and neat finish. As they could see, it wa-s a good, solid structure, and it was proposed to complete it by erecting a stone wall to keep stock, etc., from breaking down the banks. He trusted that, as an. emblem to those we loved, it would inspire the yt .mg people with love of their country and of their duty to the flag and Empire. There were others who had bled, and were suffering, and the sympathies of all were with them today. The hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” was sung by those present, after which the Rev. Mackenzie delivered a short and appropriate address. The Mayor of Stratford (Mr. J. W. McMillan), after the people of Cardiff for the honor of an invitation to be present at such an auspicious gathering, said that when farewelling their boys he always felt move than mere words could express. ‘‘Wo little dreamed,” he added, “the price they would have to pay, and if the statesmen could bring about everlasting peace we would then have something to be grateful for as the result of the great sacrifice made.”

After “Abide with Me” had been sung, Mr, R. Masters, M.P., thanked those responsible for the ceremony for the honor they had conferred on him by asking him to unveil the memorial to their heroes. It was evident the people of the district intended to keep green in their memory the great deeds done during the war. He congratulated them on the splendid memorial they had erected. Cardiff had done well in the Great War. No price was too great to pay to maintain the integrity of the Empire, and New Zealand, the furthest outpost of the Empire, had paid her price. The boys had gone to the war with feelings of loyalty to their country, and devotion to duty, knowing full well the hardships and dangers to be endured. General Birdwood had said that the New Zealanders had fully shown that they were worthy of the best traditions of the British soldier. He noticed that on the memorial was inscribed: “Ever Grateful,” and it behoved us to show our gratitude to these boys -by helping them to obtain employment. He paid a glowing tribute to the noble part the women throughout the Empire had played during the war, and ' regretted that the peace for which the manhood of the Dominion had fought was not yet in sight. He hoped there would not be another war, but he knew that if it was necessary every New Zealander would again be ready to do his part. The Rev. Howard recited the formal dedication, and Bugler W. Power sounded the Last Post. Mr T.. Boyle had the Cardiff schoolchildren lined up during the ceremony. The monument, which stands at the intersection of the Stratford-Opunake-Cardiff and C-limie roads, is in the shape of a massive concrete monument, standing about *2O feet in height, inscribed on the four sides with the words: “To the Glory of God;” “In Loving Memory of Those Who Died:” “In Honor of All Who Served, 1914-1919;” “Ever Grateful.”