The New Zealand Herald

Memorial path

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Brian Rudman’s wake-up call comment to my friends Mayor Phil Goff and councillor Mike Lee should be heeded. Not long ago the public were “consulted” on prospectiv­e designs for the World War I memorial to be constructe­d in the grassed hill in front of the beautiful classical Auckland War Memorial Museum. Most of the designs were ghastly, of a contempora­ry art nature and inviting to skateboard­ers. My submission said so. Mr Lee, I seem to recall, made similar comments.

A rethink is required on the purpose of the new memorial. Since 1932 when James Tyler suggested a design for access up the slope, we have had World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. Currently we have a worldwide scourge of war with Isis. When a lot of the fallen in these wars died in muddy battlefiel­ds, on beaches, in the air or sea, why is a large area of concrete on the grass to remember them deemed appropriat­e?

Put up peace signs in suitable spots, plant trees (there’s a good place Mayor Goff) and leave the grass alone. It would be inexpensiv­e and far more meaningful.

Coralie van Camp, Remuera.

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