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The Manurewa First World War Memorial is a commemorative monument located in Manurewa, New Zealand, dedicated to honoring New Zealanders who have served in all conflicts since the First World War. Originally erected in 1921 to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of local servicemen during World War I, the memorial has evolved over time to include plaques and features acknowledging service in subsequent wars.

Situated prominently outside Manurewa Central School at the corner of Great South Road and Hill Road, the site stands as a focal point for remembrance and community reflection. Funded through public subscription and community efforts, the memorial represents both a tribute to historical sacrifice and a continuing acknowledgment of New Zealand's military contributions across generations.

History

Planning and Fundraising

Discussions about establishing a war memorial in Manurewa began shortly after the end of the First World War, with the community expressing a strong desire to commemorate local soldiers who had served during the First World War. On 24 February 1919, the Manurewa Town Board held an initial meeting to consider peace celebrations and the creation of a district war memorial. The chairman, C.H. Lupton, emphasized the importance of taking swift action, noting that other towns were already progressing with similar projects.

Fundraising for the memorial began soon after. On 8 March 1919, the Manurewa Show Society hosted a horticultural and industrial show at the Manurewa Public Hall. The event concluded with an auction of the exhibited items, and all proceeds were collected for devotion to a Manurewa Soldiers' Memorial Fund.

Further discussions regarding the war memorial took place at a public meeting held in the Manurewa Hall on 19 March 1919. One proposal, supported by George Smith and C.H. Lupton, suggested placing the memorial in front of the new post office on Station Road. However, this idea faced criticism, with some attendees expressing concerns about the suitability of the site and the design. Mr. Pegler, a member of the Town Board, argued for a more functional approach, proposing the creation of a recreational reserve or district park that could serve as both a memorial and a community asset. He emphasized the need to secure land before rising property values made it unattainable. The meeting concluded with plans to revisit the matter at a later date.

Later that year, the Manurewa branch of the Victoria League organized a Paddy’s Market day on 11 October 1919 at the public hall. The event raised over £90 (equivalent to approximately $11,400 NZD today) for the memorial fund, showcasing the community's commitment to honoring its servicemen.

By October 1920, further steps were taken to solidify plans. At a public meeting held on 5 October 1920, chaired by T.J. Corin, attendees resolved to erect a permanent monument outside the Manurewa Central School. This location, situated at the corner of Great South Road and Hill Road, was chosen after deliberations about potential sites. A committee, including T.J. Corin, McNaughton, and C.H. Lupton, was appointed to oversee the project. The group decided on a design submitted by Parkinson and Co., with the inclusion of a 3 ft. rockery base as a key feature.

Fundraising efforts persisted into late 1920. On 20 November, the Manurewa Show Society held its second spring show in the Manurewa Picture Theatre, drawing a record crowd. Once again, proceeds from the auction of produce were directed toward the construction of the war memorial.

The completion of the Manurewa War Memorial monument was finalized in December 1920. Plans for an unveiling ceremony were made, with an invitation extended to Prime Minister William F. Massey to officiate the event. The ceremony was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. 2 January, 1921, with arrangements made to place at least one wreath for each fallen serviceman. Representatives from nearby local governing bodies were also expected to attend.

Unveiling Ceremony

On 2 January, 1921, the Manurewa War Memorial was unveiled by Prime Minister William F. Massey, on the corner of Great South and Hill Roads. The ceremony was attended by an estimated 500 people, including local residents and visitors from Auckland and surrounding areas. The service began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a rendition of "Onward, Christian Soldiers" by the assembled crowd. Mr. T. J. Corin, Chairman of the Manurewa Town Board, then delivered a brief address, setting the tone for the solemn occasion. The Rev. G. B. Hinton read Psalm 46 and offered a prayer, providing spiritual reflection for the gathering.

Prime Minister Massey’s speech was a central moment in the ceremony, during which he paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, emphasizing that their sacrifices were made so that their fellow citizens could live in freedom and independence. He expressed his hope for lasting peace in the world, noting that, in hindsight, it was clear that divine protection had guided New Zealand through the trials of war. Massey also reflected on the critical moments of the war, particularly the Gallipoli campaign. While some may regard Gallipoli as a failure, Massey argued that the bravery and heroism of New Zealand soldiers there were unmatched and had earned them a place in history. He reassured the audience that the British Graves Commission had undertaken the care of New Zealand soldiers’ graves, acknowledging the enduring responsibility to honor those who had fallen.

In addition to honoring the soldiers' sacrifices, Massey touched on global peace efforts, highlighting the establishment of the League of Nations as an important step toward international cooperation. He also discussed the importance of maintaining a strong military presence, especially the British Navy, to ensure peace and security. His message underscored the ongoing need for the British Empire to unite and work together for the future.

Following his address, Prime Minister Massey pulled a cord to unveil the memorial. As the New Zealand ensign fluttered down, the sunlight revealed the obelisk to the audience. The organist played “The Dead March” as the assembly stood in silence, reflecting on the weight of the occasion. After the moment of silence, relatives and friends of the fallen soldiers approached the monument to place wreaths at its base. Among the mourners were mothers and wives of the fallen, as well as returned soldiers, all honoring the memory of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Chaplain-Captain D. O. Herron, M.C., representing the returned soldiers, delivered a moving message about the noble sacrifice made by the men who had fallen in the war. He spoke of the Christ-like spirit exhibited by the soldiers, urging the gathering to carry forward the torch of sacrifice that had been passed to them by those who had perished. Herron’s address served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of courage and selflessness that the soldiers had left behind.

Mr. C. H. Lupton, another key figure in the memorial's establishment, addressed the parents present at the ceremony, urging them to instill in their children a respect for the returned soldiers and to remind the younger generation of their duty to contribute to the Empire, just as the soldiers had done. His message emphasized the continuity of duty and service to the community and nation.

The ceremony concluded with the sounding of “The Last Post,” a traditional military tribute to the fallen. Following this, the National Anthem was sung once more, marking the end of the formal proceedings. The unveiling of the Manurewa War Memorial not only honored those who had died but also brought together the community in reflection and remembrance of the sacrifices that had shaped their history.