Topic: Levin War Memorial

Topic Type: Place

Located at the corner of Bath and Cambridge Streets, Levin.

In 1917 it was proposed at a Levin Borough Council meeting to have a memorial created to the dead following the immense loss of life in the NZ forces during WW1.  This was deferred until the war was over.

 A piece of rock was cut out of an outcrop of rock known as a monadnock on the hillside beside the Ohau River.  The stone was found in Gladstone Road, around the bend into the Ohau Valley past the water treatment station and settling tanks. 

 The memorial however, was crude, being cracked and in 2 pieces and there was strong public protests.  Eventually a committee was formed and fundraising began to erect a new memorial.  Work on the project started on 25 January 1923. 

 The Soldiers’ memorial was unveiled on 3 March 1923.  A parade started from Levin School, consisting of veterans (Boer War), returned Soldiers, Cadets, Territorials, School children from Levin, Ohau, Ihakara, Koputaroa and members of the public.

 The proceedings opened with a speech by Mayor Matheson, followed by the hymn, O God Our Help In Ages Past.  Scripture was read by Reverend Bawdon Harris, followed by a prayer by Reverend JC Davies, Anglican Church, followed by a recessional, Lest We Forget.

 The memorial was unveiled by Major General FW Chaytor KCMG.  A hymn, Lead Kindly Light and a Benediction by Captain Hoare of the Salvation Army followed.  The singing of the National Anthem (God Save the King) by the people led by a combined choir and orchestra concluded the unveiling ceremony.

Contributed by Lorraine Wright 

 

 

 

                                          FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL

       To be unveiled on Wednesday

 

The programme has now been arranged for the unveiling of the Fallen soldiers’ Memorial in the Public Gardens on Wednesday afternoon by Sir Edward Chaytor.

The hour fixed is 2 o’clock and an invitation to be present is extended through our columns to the next of kin (for whom seats will be provided), Returned Soldiers and Veterans, Cadets and Territorials, school-children of the Levin (three) Ohau, Ihakara and Koputaroa Schools, members of the Native Race and the general public.  The order of service is as follows.

1.            Introduction, the Mayor of Levin

2.            Hymn, ‘O God Our Help in Ages Past’

3.            Scripture reading, Rev M Bawden Harris

4.            Dedicatory Pray, Rev J C Davies

5.            Recessional, ‘Lest We Forget

6.            Unveiling the memorial and address by Major-General Sir E W C Chaytor, KCMG

7.            Hymn, ‘Lead, Kindly Light.”

8.            Benediction, Captain Hoare (Salvation Army). 

               The National Anthem

 

A combined choir and orchestra will lead the singing. A parade of returned soldiers and veterans is called for 1.30pm on Wednesday. 

The Chronicle, Monday March 12, 1923

 

 

>>Click here to see the names listed on this memorial