20-Years' Old Monument Wrecked To
p. 18 · Read in the full issue
Get Brass
From Our Own Correspondent SAMARAI, April 30.
FOR 15 years, a captured trench-mortar and a 15-pounder field-gun stood guard before the War Memorial Library Institute in Samarai, as a silent token to the heroism of our men in the 1914-18 conflict. They were donated by the Com monwealth to the people of the town, and each Anzac Day they served to remind us of the price paid by Australian manhood for liberty, 26 years ago.
This year, a few hours before the dawn of a new Anzac Day, the guns disappeared; and, when the local detachment marched past to the Anzac Day service, only the wrecked remains of the concrete base remained.
The guns were subsequently found, partially demolished, and dumped into the waste area now under reclamation. Inquiries revealed that sentiment had been set aside in favour of the sale of a few pounds of brass, which were part of their fittings.
Through the energetic efforts of Mr. Russell the guns are being replaced, and the whys and wherefores of the matter are to be settled later.