Merino War Memorial

Intersection of Bourke and High Streets,Merino, GLENELG SHIRE

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Vic. War Heritage Inventory

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Statement of Significance

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  • Physical Description 1

    Merino War Memorial - Physical Description 1

    This substantial monument has a base of rustic Harcourt granite resting on a foundation of reinforced concrete. The polished die of Wando Vale granite is a fine piece of work and the names of those who fell and who enlisted are beautifully engraved in gilded half inch letters.
    
    The total height of the monument from the base to the top of the flag pole is 20 feet.
    
    The following inscription is engraved on the monument -
    
    HONOUR THE BRAVE
    
    Erected by the Residents of Merino and District in Honour of those Brave men who so gallantly answered the Empire's Call and fought in the Great War.
    
    Unveiled 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.
    
    Source : "Historic Souvenir of the Back to Merino and Henty Centenary Celebrations", November, 11th to 15th, 1937

    Historical Australian Themes

    Merino War Memorial - Historical Australian Themes

    Remembering the fallen

    Usage/Former Usage

    Merino War Memorial - Usage/Former Usage

    Commemoration

    Veterans Description for Public

    Merino War Memorial - Veterans Description for Public

    The Merino Soldiers' Monument, at the intersection of Bourke and High Streets, was erected in 1918 by the Residents of Merino and surrounding districts in honour of the men who fought in the First World War. Recently plaques were added to the monument to commemorate service in Korea and Vietnam.

    The monument was unveiled Sir Arthur Stanley, KCMG, Governor of Victoria, on December 28th, 1918. The local paper reported "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."

    This substantial memorial comprises of a flagpole mounted on a base of rustic Harcourt granite resting on a foundation of reinforced concrete. The polished die of Wando Vale granite is a fine piece of work and the names of those who fell and who enlisted are beautifully engraved in gilded half inch letters. The total height of the monument from the base to the top of the flag pole is 20 feet. The following inscription is engraved on the monument -
    
    "Honour The Brave. Erected by the Residents of Merino and District in Honour of those Brave men who so gallantly answered the Empire's Call and fought in the Great War."

    Local sources reported in great detail the unveiling of the monument on December 18th 1918. The report was as follows:

    "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 amidst 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 inaugurating 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."

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