TALLY: As of April 30 2014, $1000 raised and $1000 to go

It's time to raise two flags in Ngatimoti

January 10th, 2014

The Motueka Valley Association (MVA) has begun fundraising for a project to replace Ngatimoti's old flagpole with two modern ones to commemorate the World War I fallen soldiers of both New Zealand and Australia.

They hope that members of the public will contribute up to $3,000 to construct the poles and purchase two good quality flags, in this the centenary of the start of the 1914-18 war in Europe.

The Settlers Memorial in Ngatimoti is situated on the prominent hilltop, next to St James Church (photo, right).

It commemorates those fifteen young men of the valleys who gave their lives in WW1. Incorporated on the site is our one "tired old flagpole that is somewhat past its use by date", the MVA says.

Recent practice has evolved in many New Zealand locations to commemorate ANZAC day with the raising of both the New Zealand flag and the Australian flag at the annual services of remembrance for the fallen, and the singing of both nations' national anthem.

MVA, as a representative body, has proposed that the existing pole be replaced with two new poles of modern design, modern material and construction, such that the local community can proudly display our respects to the fallen of both nations. The project is called "Time to Raise The Flags".

The MVA has agreed in principle that it will contribute part funding toward the initiation of further fundraising efforts to finance the construction of the poles and including the purchase of two good quality flags. "The expected cost will not exceed $3,000," they said.

Local precision engineer Allen Brereton has promised to provide the detail of design and construction for the project. He being the grand nephew of Lt. Col. Cyprian Bridge Brereton who led the Nelson contingent during overseas service in WW1.

What is needed now is a commitment from community individuals toward a financial contribution and to offer ideas for other sources of funding to complete the project.

MVA chairman Fred Hickling said hopefully the poles could be installed for the April 2014 service.

Contributions of any amount for the flag poles project can be direct credited via Motueka Valley Association. Its bank account is NBS, 6.

Cash contributions can also be made. Contact Ed Stevens to donate, or for any further information about the project.

Some History

It is interesting to recount some of the momentous local effect to capture a lasting memory of those brave sons. Some history of the establishment of the Settlers Memorial is of interest.

The first public meeting to establish the memorial was held in June 1920. The predominant feature was to be the marble obelisk. (The top portion snapped off in the 1929 Murchison earthquake, but was successfully repaired.)

Criteria were established for the inclusion of the names on the obelisk and it was agreed that those having parents in the district or who enlisted from the district, be the names inscribed thereon.

The memorial was officially opened in 1921 at the April service, and was almost wholly financed by subscription from the local community, there being some 85 contributors - an outstanding effort given the population base of the district in those times.

At that unveiling a very large number of people were present, including many Returned Soldiers from all surrounding districts. The monument was beautifully draped with flags lent by the Defence Department.

The service, conducted by the Bishop of Nelson, was most impressive. The hymns - typed on sheets by Mr J.P.Robinson, a local blinded soldier - were "Abide With Me" and "Kiplings Recessional". The Bishop delivered a stirring address, as did Mr Hudson, M.P for the district.

The service concluded with The Dead March played by Mrs G.C. Strachan, the firing of three volleys by a firing party of returned soldiers, the Last Post sounded by a bugler, and God Save The King.

The April service in 1922, held nearby in St James Church, was led by Archdeacon Kempthorne. Also resolved that year was that "records of all men from the district who served in the Great War of 1914-18, be collected and written on parchment. The Memorial Parchment Roll to be placed in the church".

About the year 2000 the records were retyped and framed behind glass by Mr Dick Pownall of once Orinoco Pownall family, and is now hung in the church. A further tablet records those who were Sunday School participants at St James Church and the names of those who fell are further recorded on a brass plaque inside the church (See photo, right).

During 1922/23 further contributions were made by residents for paint, cement, piping, iron gates, fencing, pathways and the mounting of the mortars. The trench mortars were supplied after a request to the then Defence Department.

The Memorial (photo, right) is sited on land given for the purpose by the Guy family estate and is maintained to a high standard by local volunteer effort with a small financial contribution from the Tasman District Council toward upkeep.

"I feel that our contribution to the centennial year will be suitably recorded by the erection of the two new flagpoles," said spokesman Ed Stevens. "I trust readers are inspired to generate enthusiasm for this project and welcome their feedback or local contribution to this worthy project."

This article has been prepared by Ed Stevens and vetted by the M.V.A. Chairman, Fred Hickling ().

Further items of local interest

1. You may well be interested to view the recorded text and photo on the life and times of our own William Ham of Ngatimoti - another contribution toward the centennial year, prepared by Anne McFadgen of Ngatimoti and published on The Prow website www.theprow.org.nz. Use the search term "Ham".

2. The life and times of Emmaline Mary White of the once Orinoco White family, a WW1 nurse, is available in printed booklet form from Cheryl Carnahan, email .

3. Two men who lost their lives in WW2 are recorded on the plaque at the Ngatimoti Memorial Hall - Inwood and Stringer.

Ngatimoti Settlers Memorial WW1.

Further information is sought. Whilst we have records of war service for those fallen, I am seeking further information for the following listed soldiers:

Inwood, Errol.E.M. WW2
Canton, John Charles. WW1
Everett, George Gordon. WW1.
James, Kenneth Richard. WW1
Watson, Ralph. (s.f Albert Everett). WW1
Belworthy, William Arthur. WW1
Ham, Thomas (Harry). WW2
de Castro, Alan Hirst. WW1
Edwards, Ralph Cyril. WW1
Stuart, George. WW1
Hill, Donovan Oldham. WW

The intent of this exercise in research is to add a little more detail of the men and their family, aside from their service record. Of particular interest would be information from descendants and also from those who may know where these men were living/working prior to enlistment.

Some were not resident when they enlisted, however their parents or caregivers were. By explanation to that comment, The Settlers Memorial Committee established the criteria to include on the obelisk at Ngatimoti, those names of the fallen who were resident in the district at the time of enlistment or whose parents or caregivers were resident at the time.

For the other soldiers not listed here I think I have enough information to give a short profile, although I would welcome further input. Please initially call Ed Stevens at Ngatimoti (Motueka directory listing)

E.B.Stevens
ph .

Comment by Anne McFadgen:
[Posted 13 January 2014]

It might be worthwhile for the MVA to set up a crowd-funding option for this project and link it to Motueka Online. I know the Motueka Community Gardens did this not long ago and I think they got a reasonable response.

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