A meeting of subscribers to the local Honor Memorial

• Melton Express (Vic. : 1915 - 1943) / Sat 29 Nov 1919 / Page 4 / TOOLERN VALE 

TOOLERN VALE.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

A meeting of subscribers to the local Honor Memorial was held in the Mechanics' on Saturday, 15th inst., when there was a good attendance.

The meeting was called by the committee, to take into consideration the offer made by Mr. R. McCorkell of a piece of ground, situated at the corner of the main cross roads, which the committee recommended for acceptance for the purpose of establishing the memorial thereon. The chairman (Mr. V. R. Davey), in his opening remarks, said that the offer had come about through the inability of the committee to obtain conditions in the park which they thought were essential to the success of the memorial.

The position, which they tookup was based on the instructions given at a subscribers' meeting several months ago, directing the executive to secure the removal of certain gum trees growing in the park, which were a detriment' to the growth of the Honor Avenue trees planted there last year. Repeated requests had been made to the Melton Shire Council, asking for the removal of the trees, but they had been refused. He said the real subject before the meeting was that of Honor—not their own honor, but grateful remembrance of the willing sacrifices which so many gallant fellows had made in the cause of civilisation and freedom. The committee felt that the Honor Avenue must have precedence, and that, in the circumstances, they proposed to plant another avenue on the site under offer, and erect the tablet there.

The secretary (Mr. R. Barrie) gave a review of the movement from its inception, and said that Mr. McCorkell's offer was a very liberal one. as he was prepared to hand over the half-acre of ground to trustees to be appointed by the subscribers, if the land were required. It would be better to plant another venue, and establish the memorial on a new site, if they could not secure better conditions in the park. Other speakers also eulogised Mr. McCorkell's liberality. A lengthy discussion ensued, and the shire council was adversely criticised, during which two North Riding councillors were challenged to resign their seats and contest them on the issue. One speaker suggested re-arranging the avenue trees, while another suggestion was to establish the memorial in the Mechanics' ground. The trend of the meeting was in favour of obtaining expert advice, and it was resolved to apply to the War Memorials' Advisory Board for the attendance of a recognised horticultural expert to inspect and report.

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