Merino Soldiers' Memorial

Our Soldiers

Merino's Appreciation Expressed in Granite

Unveiling Ceremony by His Excellency Sir Arthur STANLEY, K.C.M.G.., Governor of Victoria, December 28th, 1918.

Saturday was Merino's momentous day - the day on which the Soldiers' Memorial was unveiled by His Excellency Sir Arthur Stanley, in the presence of 1,500 people. The decorations in the streets and Mechanics' Hall were excellent, and reflected great credit upon those who carried them out.

About 3.00 p.m. the Vice-Regal party was met by the mounted escort of returned soldiers, and on alighting from the car the party passed between the lines of uniformed returned men, who were subsequently inspected and spoken to by His Excellency. On the platform His Excellency the Governor and Lady Stanley, Hon. H.J.M. Campbell, MLA (Member for Glenelg), Hon. W. Hutchison, MLA, Mr and Mrs Winter Cooke, Cr J. Little (President Glenelg Shire), Cr H. Rhodes, President Memorial Committee and Mrs H. Mallett, Honorary Secretary, and Rev J. McQueen, who read the address of welcome to the Governor. His Excellency stepped forward admidst applause, and expressed his thanks to those who had presented the address to him, and for the kind sentiments expressed to himself and Lady Stanley. He referred to the patriotism of the Merino and district inhabitants in augurating such a movement so successfully, in erecting such a lasting memorial. His excellency then said he would perform the duty of unveiling the monument in memory of all the men who had gone abroad, also those who would never return. He then removed the Union Jack which covered the monument. After a few interesting remarks His Excellency said it had given Lady Stanley and himself much pleasure in visiting this thriving and picturesque district. The Hon. Hutchinson proposed a vote of thanks to their Excellencies, for being present on the occasion. He referred to Her Ladyship as President of the Australian Red Cross, Victorian Division, and the valuable services rendered in that direction. The Hon H.J.M. Campbell seconded the vote. He expressed his pleasure at being present on such a memorable occasion. It was the first memorial of its kind to be unveiled in his electorate. Digby was another little town in his electorate which was the first to plant an Avenue of Honor in memory of our brave boys, and now their example had been followed all over the State. The vote was then carried with acclamation.

An adjournment was them made to the Mechanics' Hall, where Their Excellencies were received by Mrs G.L. Northcott (President of the Merino Branch of Red Cross Society), who presented members and other distinguished visitors. The party were then entertained at afternoon tea, served by Red Cross and district ladies.

Cr H.H. Rhodes (President), Mrs H.R. Mallett (Hon secretary and Treasurer). Committee - Mrs G.L. Northcott, Mrs C. Kraatz, Messrs D.W. Brock, J. McIntyre, A.C. Ross, T.E. Sylvester, R. Dunstan, T.D. Clarke, J. Byrnes, H. Wood, L. Koch, N. Flowers, Rev J.A. McQueen, Rev J.P. Schussler.