CEREMONY AT WOODLANDS.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 8, 7 May 1920, Page 15

CEREMONY AT WOODLANDS.

SOLDIEIiS' MEMORIAL UNVEILED. The unveiling ceremony of the Woodlands dietriot soldiers' memorial was performed on Wednesday aiternoon in the presence of a representative gathering. Mr R. M. Hewitt presided at the function and expressed pleasure at seeing such a large gatliering present, and said that he hoped the full meaning of the ceremopy would impress itself upon the minds of the school children, who were lined up round the monument. He then called upon Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P. for Mataura, to perform the unveiling ceremony. Mr Anderson first apologised for the absence of the late Minister of Defence, Sir James Allen, whose departure from New Zealand made it impossible for him to be present to unveil the memorial, as was hoped he would have. been able to do. In asking him to perform the ceremony in Sir James's' stead, he'felt that one of the greatest possible honours had been conferred upon him. In the treemndous sacrifice of men and money that the war had caused, New Zealand had borne her full share. A total of over 99,000 men had been sent overseas, and when the armistice was signed there were 12,000 in camp, representing in all 10 per cent. of our population. Amongst the men sent out, the Woodlands district had contributed- its quota, and they had worthily upheld the noblest traditions of our race. Some of them had returned," and were present that day. But there were others who would not return, and they hosoured their memories, and extended sympathy to their relatives. He believed that every district should have its memorial if possible, for in that way the sacrifice of ineir men would be lastingly reco/aed. Such monuments would impress upon the children of this generation the meaning of their sacrifice, and teach them the real meaning of patriotism, which was Ihe first duty that they owed to their country. He hoped that the final outcome of the war, the result of which was still evident in the chaotic condition of Europe and other countries would tend towards the uplifting of humanity, and the general improvement of conditions all over the world. If such were tlie case, then the sacrifices of the terrible struggle would not have been in vain. Individual effort and sacrifice were the only things that would bring about a better state of affairs. No sacrifice that they might malce in civil life could equal the sacrifice made on the fi&lds of France and Flanders, and it remained for them and for the children who wero to be the future citizens of New Zealand, to maka those h'eroic sacrifices worth while. Mr Anderson then formally us . eded the memorial, after which a short Scripture reading and prayer were read by the Rev. Wedderspoon. A firing party of 12 returned men of the district, under the command ofj Captain Bell, then fired a volley, and the "Last Post" waksounded by Bandsman Rex Wills. His Worship the Mayor (Mr John Stead), who was present by invitation, was the next speaker, and he expressed the hope that every country district would erect its own memorial. He touched briefly on the war, of the suffering and misery it had caused, and of the magnificent response that the men of the Dominion had made to the call, and, in concluding, -congratulated Woodlands on its fine memorial, which was a credit to the builders, and also to the district. Chaplain-Captain Gilbert and Mr HallJones, who were present as represntatives of the Returned Soldiers' Association, also spoke briefly. Capt. Gilbert said that he hoped that while the children might forget what was said on that occasion., they would never forget what their men had done. The best monument that they would have would be the cherished memory in the hearts and homes of those who had sent them. But when this generation had passed it would be good to have a monument that would awaken memories of the sacrifices of those whorn they heid in honour. He hoped that while we honoured the dead, we would not forget those who had come back maimed and disabled, and needed our assistance. " May we all be worthy of their sacrifices," he concluded. "Nothing better than that could be wished for." Mr Hall-Jones addressed his few remarks to the children, impressing upon them that those whose memories they held in reverence had died in order that the heritage of freedom which they enjoyed might be handed down to the generations of the future. Mr Maurice Thompson, representing the War Funds Association, and Mr A. Martin, Mayor of Gore, also spoke briefly, after which the simple, yet impressive ceremony, was concluded by the singing of the National Anthem. The Chairman, in a few words, thanked the speakers for their attendahce and assistance, and also, on behalf of the Co-m-nuttee, conveyed to the builders their sincere appreciation of their work, which would be a standing tribute to their honesty and ability. The monument is a handsome edifice, in concrete and , plaster. The base is square, with four pillars, and on each &ide there is a buttress on which a machine gun (war trophy), will be mounted. The cap- is surmounted by a figure of a soldier, skilfuhy sculptured out of a concrete block. There are four laree marble slab's inset, on which are engraved 46 names, inchidifig ten killed. " The total height of the column is 33 feet, the plot of ground being concreted and 'plastered, and surrounded by a solid concrete fence of fitting design. "The memorial is conspicuQusly placed on a oorner on the main road in the township, and could not be better displayed. It was erected entirely by Messrs J. Fraser and Co., of Invercargill, being designed and the figure sculptured by Mr A. D. Anderson, a member of the firm. School Roil of Honour. The Roll of Honour at the Woodland's School was ako nuveiled early in the after-

noon by Mr J. C. Thomson, Chairman of the Southland Education Board, in the presence of the school children and numbers of parents and friends. Mr J. D. Trotter presided, and other speakers were the Mayor of Invercargill (Mr Jno. Stead), Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P., Mr Martin (Mayor of Gore), and Mr Learmonth, the schoolmaster. The Roll of Honour contadns the names of 53 men, of whom, thirteen made the supreme sacrifice.