A beautiful and appropriate war memorial has been erected by the people of Stranocum and district to perpetuate the memory of the gallant lads who fell in the war and as a tribute to the noble service of those who survived hardship and dangers in the various theatres of the war. The memorial takes the form of a monumental column of rock faced granite with three panels of polished marble, on the front being inscribed the names of those who gave their lives and on the side panels the names of those who served and survive. Twenty-nine laid down their lives and ninety returned. The monument is surmounted by a lamp, the light from which will be visible for miles around. The whole is surrounded by a granite wall and railings, and shrubs have been planted in the vicinity. Originally it was intended to erect the monument with granite and concrete, and funds sufficient for that purpose were subscribed. However, it was found that a permanent and satisfactory memorial could not be erected in this form, and it was decided to use granite and marble for the whole work. For the purpose of raising funds to cover the increased expenditure Mrs. Ford Hutchinson organised and conducted a successful bazaar at Stranocum House on Wednesday. There was a large and fashionable attendance when Mrs J. Stuart, Somerset, declared the sale open.

BRAVE NORTH ANTRIM MEN.

Captain S.J. Lyle, M.C., J.P., who presided, said for the greater part of the war he was in command of a company recruited entirely in North Antrim. The majority of the names on the memorial were names of men belonging to that company. All through the war those who were unable to be with them at the front did everything possible to help them through. Anything the men asked for that could possibly be sent they did send. If warm mufflers arrived in the heat of summer or cooling drinks when they were in snow it was not the fault of the people at home. (Laughter.) If the men who returned wished for anything it was that the names of their comrades who fell should not be forgotten. He did not think that anyone who had not the experience of service in the front line could ever realise what the comradeship which existed in the army meant. He never conceived anything like it before, and was certain that such a spirit of comradeship could not exist unless in similar circumstances. “I tell you,” said Captain Lyle, “that if a census was taken of all the men who served in the front line the desire above all others would be that the names of their comrades whom they lost should be honoured as they deserved to be as long as our race lives in this country.” (Applause.) When their war memorial was completed they must not think that all the debt was paid. A great many men had come back from the war, and as long as they had life it was the duty of the people to see that they have a fair chance and a little more. (Applause.) It could be well understood how difficult it was for those who came back to settle down to the everyday duties at home. Even those who had come home to luxury and comfort had found it difficult. He was sure that the people would give the men a chance, a second chance, and a third chance. He was not appealing for charity-indiscriminate charity did more harm than good. He was appealing to them to make up their minds as to how the men could be helped and given at fair chance. (Applause.)

Mrs. Stuart, in performing the opening ceremony, said praise was due to Mrs. Ford Hutchinson for organising the bazaar. She was universally beloved for her kind-heartedness, ever ready sympathy, and energy in promoting the cause of every good work. Surmounting their memorial was a lamp, a fitting and permanent reminder of those who died that they at home might live. They left all that was dear to them, endure hardships, faced danger, and passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty, giving up their lives. Let those who came after never forget their sacrifice. (Applause.)

Miss Alice Patton handed Mrs. Stuart a beautiful bouquet.

A SUGGESTION.

Rev. Thomas Caldwell, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mrs. Stuart, said during the years she had resided at Stranocum House Mrs. Stuart commended herself to the community by her splendid qualities and desire for the well-being of the immediate neighbourhood. (Applause.) Secondly, Mrs. Stuart was an Australian born. In the war nothing was more splendid than the wonderful loyalty displayed by all parts of the great Empire. They would all agree that Mrs. Stuart was a worthy representative of that great part of the Empire-Australia. (Applause.) Mrs. Stuart had made reference to the lady of Stranocum House. Mrs. Hutchinson had been away for eight years, her return to the locality being delayed by the war. The last thing she did before leaving was to assist in providing a hall where the young men of the district could meet for self-improvement. On her return the first thing she did was to organise that bazaar. He suggested that in the event of there being a balance after liquidating the liabilities with regard to the memorial it should be devoted to improvements to the local school, so that it might meet the requirements of the National Board of Education. (Applause.)

Colonel Ford Hutchinson, D.S.O., seconded the vote, which Mrs. Stuart briefly acknowledged.

A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, on the motion of the Rev. T.A. Willis, M.A., seconded by Rev. A. Crothers.