MASTERTON'S MEMORIAL.

Wairarapa Age, 25 March 1920, Page 5

MASTERTON'S MEMORIAL.

Committee's Report Adopted.

A meeting of citizens was held in the Municipal Hall, Masterton, last night to receive the report of the Cameron Memorial Sports Ground Committee and its recommendations, and to appoint an executive committee. The Mayor (Mr. W. H. Jackson) presided over a fair attendance. The first speaker was Mr. Norris, who was of the opinion that the name wtas altogether wrong, afid he suggested that they see Mr. Cameron and suggest the doltion of the name "Cameron." Mr. J. B. Mckenzie moved: "That tho name stand as tho 'Masterton Soldier's Memorial and Cameron Park.' " seconded by Mr. Bradbury. Mr. Norris moved, as an amendment, that the name be altered to "The Fallon Soldiers' Memorial Park," which was seconded, pro forma, by Mr. J. Caselberg. It was agreed that the matter he held in abeyance meanwhile, and Mr. G. W. Perry then ;aoved: ••'xhat the meeting recommend that a suitable monument be erected in the public park." He thought that the memorial, should boi separate from the sports ground. Mr. W. Temple seconded the motion. Mr. R. J. Southgate moved, a3 an amendment: "That this meeting decide on erecting a memorial in the public park, and also that the public take up the sports ground as a soldiers ' memorial.'' Mr. D. Iv. Logan seconded the motion. Ho understood that the majority of people who had lost friends and relatives would like to see a memorial in the sports ground. The chairman then put Mr. Perry's motion, which was carried. The Rev. J. Walker was of opinion that if they were going to make a memorial to the soldiers of tho wairarapa It should not contain the name of any individual. , Mr. McKenzie said that the Cameron Bros, had given this ground for a memorial park, and he thought the name Cameron should be added. Mr. Horn said that if it had not been for Mr. Cameron there would be no argument. This ground would have been cut up for building sections. . Mr. W. Kemp moved: "That the Society provide the monument, the amount not to exceed £2000." This was seconded by Mr. Donald and carried. Mr. Kemp moved: "That the recommendation to acquire the/extra 7§ acres be adopted." This waa unanimously carried. It was decided to call applications for the position of permanent secretary to the Committee. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Temple, that a committee of fifteen gentlemen, pins the permanent committee, be sot up to control tho whole of the operations until the Society was incorporated. The following committee was then elected:—Messrs W. G. Perry, D. K. Logan, W. Kemp, W. G. Lamb. B. J. Southgate, W. D. Horn, R. C. Bell, W. Temple, F. J. Hunn, J. Ccttolberg, W. J. lonnant, J. B, McKenzie. G. T. Wilson, Rev. G. T. Brown. J. Bradbury. Mr. Temple asked whether the contract with Mr. Buxton was to be annulled. Mr. McKenzie stated that the contract was practically finished. Mr. Miller, then moved that the committee be given power to act. Talking had been going on for the last two years, and if matters went'on at this rate the generation after the next would be the first to see the monument. This was seconded by Mr. Kemp. The Rev. Mr. Brown wanted to know how long the committee would have to carry on, and was informed by the chairman that their duties would probably cease in six months. Mr. Tennent then moved that the whole report be adopted (as published in Monday's Age). This was seconded by Mr. J. B. McKenzie. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Logan that Mr. H. Miller be appointed secretary until the committee meet. Mr. J. B. McKenzie said he would like to draw attention to the fact |hat Mr. Gillespie had carried on the duties of secretary up to the present time, and moved that it be a recommendation to the committee to grant him some remuneration. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting.