Memorial Pergola/Colonnade with a Mobility Extension Path.
The Memorial Pergola should be protected and maintained.
The Pergola curves around the mound in which the Sunken Cross is set, to dignify it. It leads to the Semi-Sunken Garden's Historic Mural depicting the "Ways of Life" that those named in the Cross died for.
The Columned Pergola is arguably the most attractive landscaped feature in the park.
It is clear that by memorial design, climbing roses are to be growing at the Foot of Each Collumn.
See 20 Aug’ 51. “The memorial (cross) would have to have appropriate surroundings and between it and the flat land on its left a curving pergola covered with climbing roses and wisteria was suggested” But it was climbing roses alone that persisred as suitable and practical.
See 7 Nov’ 52. H.G Babbage: (Due to a shortfall in funds) “We want the actual Memorial Cross to be in a quiet and dignified area in keeping with its purpose. The pergola, originally estimated to cost 1500 pounds, will not now be erected, although it was a most attractive feature.” Fortunately funds were found.
See 28 Jan’ 55. The Pergola was nearly complete, held up by: “non-arrival of timber for the cross pieces” The roses beating them to it, nearly at the top of the columns. It was completed by May ’55.
Some original roses may still remain. Some names are of a memorial nature: Golden Jubilee, Handel, Lopen Hagen, Casino, Sympathy, New Day, New Dawn, Dublin Bay, Ice Berg.

An appropriate proposal for the pergola would be to enhance it according to H Babbages original plan.
Memorial Archways in the Columned Pergola. The significance and symbolism of the Sunken Cross’ surrounds are further revealed.
See 3 Nov’ 52 “Our deficiency...will mean the abandonment of the Pergola with its three memorial arches”
See 20 Oct’ 52. “Much of the park and many of the memorial (cross) surrounds would have to be left undone...archways in the pergola, and much in the general layout scheme were to commemorate engagements in which our servicemen took part.” “I feel that between now and the closing date...it will not be necessary to curtail our Memorial or any of its features”

Harrold G. Babbage’s Commemorative Archways over the Columned Pergola.
See three photo items “Commemorative Archways over the Colonnade.” It would be fitting that the archways could yet be established along the Columned Pergola, bearing details of engagements and theatres of war in which our servicemen took part.
Belatedly building the little known, yet much desired Commemorative Archways to the Columned Pergola would greatly “Strengthening the reserve design and historic identity” of our War Memorial Park.
Thus, as with the sunken gardens, the Columned Pergola not only assists with the dignity of the area surrounding the Sunken Cross, it is also intended to further acknowledge their sacrifice by commemorating the theatres of war they served in for our ‘Ways of Life’ depicted in the Semi-Sunken Garden, and who “even in a memorial, continue to serve ensuring comfort and Peace.”
Keith Burgess who was a Memorial Park Committee member would have been familiar with the commemorative Archways. In 2001-2 he was involved in a project to place entry arches at the front and rear of the park. The stone cladding and cement theme of the park was adopted for the style of those Entry Arches.

The Last Rustic Footbridge. “In recognition of their Service and Sacrifice”
The Airforce footbridge was the last remaining of the original two identicle ‘Rustic’ footbridges built by volunteers under the supervision of Borough Engineer J. A Lee. Council should never have even considered removing and doing without this memorial bridge, essential to the parks layout and for access to the Picnic/playground area. It was repaired a number of times. The Navy footbridge beside the Mutu street traffic bridge, was originally of identical construction. Three footbridges were planned but there was a shortfall in donations.
See 20 Oct’ 52. F Parsons “Each of the footbridges…were to commemorate engagements in which our servicemen took part.”
See 3 Nov’ 52. Mayor F Parsons “Technical advisors tell me this will mean the abandonment of…one of the rustic bridges connecting the park with the picnic area”
The footbridges are essential to the park. See Mayor F Parsons 20 Oct’ 52. “The lay-out of the paths and in fact the general lay-out of the park must accord with the number of bridges.”
See 7 Nov’ 52. “The cost of each of the rustic footbridges was said to be 250 Pounds.”
See 16 Sep’ 53. “The approximate cost of each bridge will be 200 pounds.”
See Committee. 12 Oct’ 53. The footbridges were to be named after WW2 engagements, as per G A Gibbs ‘47 memorial plan.
See 14 Oct’ 53. Tramway rails were used as girders. Trusses were welded onto them.
Park designer Harrold Babbage: “The bridges would be in keeping with the general idea of the park. They would last for years and would require little maintenance.” Naming the footbridges was referred to the RSA via Mr Gower, who was assured; the park was in recognition of men who fell in WW2.
14 Dec’ 53. Mr Gower gave report of three names submitted from Te Awamutu's RSA service branches: Navy-‘Achilles’ Airforce-‘Contact’ Army-‘Kiwi’
By 21 July ‘54 the development of the picnic playground area north of the Mangaohoi donated by Austin Yarndley, was to optimistically: “commence with the erection of the three rustic bridges over the Mangahoe stream.”
However, only two rustic footbridges were present on opening day, Sunday 4 Dec 1955 due to funding.
Their names were not announced.

See Courier 5 Dec’ 55. Mayor C.F Jacobs: “Each of these bridges would be named by one of the services, the Navy, Airforce and Army”
Waikato Times 5 Dec’ 55 mis-reported that the dedication was to the “Airforce, Navy and Army” and “for services in the two World Wars.” However, the park is not for WW1, and there was no WW1 airforce.
Note: Courier Editor and Memorial Park Committee member Arthur Warburton would have been sure to get their stipulated dedication and the order correct.
14 March ‘56 At the last ever meeting of the Memorial Committee, held in the park as usual, their intention was to establish the third footbridge ASAP. Harold Babbage resigned but continued on with the Maintenance Committee. There were ongoing enquiries about funding and quotes.
In late Feb’ 58 there was a flood, bigger than the one in July ‘53 before the footbridges commenced. Both footbridges withstood the stream. Re-alignment of winding sections of the Mangahoe Stream followed, including re-alignment at the original site for Army footbridge.
The third ‘Army’ footbridge was finally built in ‘67-‘68 following a bequest from Marion Dawson of the Beautification Society.
It was not built the same as the Navy and Airforce footbridges and it did not last as long. Thus: the intended three commemorative footbridges were belatedly established, but without signage.
Was there T A Courier coverage of it's being installed?

Proposal for the Last Rustic Footbridge.
The trussed railway rails could have been replaced with stronger spanning H beams placed onto the existing foundations with the same wire net, pipe and tread board style, for the rustic footbridge to essentially remain the same. Plaques or signs would then be put onto the three footbridges commemorating their branch of the armed service:
C.F Jacobs 4.12.55 “the Navy Airforce and Army” “in recognition of their service and sacrifice.”
This would have left the last ‘Rustic Footbridge’ repaired and intact with its memorial concept complete.

Footbridge Design.
Gone are the Rustic Wooden Plank Treds, Grip-able Handrails and Wire Mesh Sidings.
See Left: The original Air Force footbridge being dismantled with its replacement being hoisted above it 5.7.22.
The Tramway Rails used as girders for the old footbridge are evident.
As the Army Footbridge is also to be replaced with a 'Shared with Bikes' width standard, it is preferable that the Shared Cycle-Way and Mobility Access Path approach the Air Force Footbridge from along the Stream-Side, over the existing flat access bridge. Not accross the Sunken Fernery.
Not unlike the Footbridges, The Sunken Fernery, is of Memorial Significance being one of Three Sunken Gardens that directly surround the Mound in which the Sunken Cross is Set, with its own triplets of Memorial Features.
Council has failed to recognise ‘Salient Memorial Features’ such as Sunken Gardens (in theme with the Sunken Cross) within the Memorial Design of the Park.
The Sunken Fernery and its Ornamental Stream is a result of Substantial Excavation in 1952-3.

Heritage Signs may soon tell The story of the Commemorative Footbridges.
The Air Force footbridge was dedicated to the service and sacrifice of Waipa District Air Force Servicemen and was allocated a name; 'Contact' in Dec' 53 by Te Awamutu RSA members of that branch.
Complete by Feb' 55 it stood for 67 Years. It was the last remaining of two identical 'Rustic' footbridges built by Lee Construction with volunteers.
Commemorative footbridges connecting shaded pathways amongst trees along the Mangahoe Stream were central to Geoff Gibbs 1947 proposal for a 'Park for a District WW2 Memorial' that was adopted and funded by the Waipa Districts.
The essential Picnic Area the footbridges lead to was donated by Austin Yarndley for that purpose.

The Scale Model of the Park.
The model was made by Harrold Babbage and G. A Gibbs and was put on public display in Mr R. K. Grieves’ shop window in Aug’-Sep’ 1951 to encourage donations. Diagram plans were also put on display in J.H Burns shop window.
See 27 Aug’ 51 and 15 Aug’ 51. Does anyone know of photographs taken of it?

The proposal to reduce the Scenic Drive-Way to Congestion Inducing One-Way, Limits Access and Egress.
The visitor experince would be hindered by being forced to exit in the wrong direction to congest a residential area requiring de-congestion
Concerning winter weekend Netball congestion: currently there are two roads in and two raods out. With a One-Way Scenic Drive, there are two roads in and only one road out. This increases exit traffic via the congested Mangahoe st.
Adding an additional enty/exit off Racecourse Road would then only result in a status quo for congestion.
The Scenic Drive-Way and its parking lot is essential for convenient access from within the park.
See 24 July 2018 Service Delivery Report page 44: Access to Park: Walk-45, Drive 145, Bike-8.
Most visitors by far use car access and many regularly just stay in the carpark for a short break.
See 20 Aug’ 51. Harrold Babbages Concept:
“Mr Babbage said that a driveway would be constructed…Along this and overlooking the park would be a parking lot where people could pull up and look out over the park or go down into it.”
From the viewpoint of the Scenic Drive-Way parking lot, the entire park can be apreciated as Sunken Garden, set within the flood plain of the Mangaohoi Stream.
See 4 Feb’ 52 and 3 March ’52 when the Scenic Drive-Way was formed.
See 24 March ’54 “Buses and heavy vehicles were prohibited from using it.” However, who would not prefer to retain Two Way access options for Emergency Services?
Bikes have always only been allowed on the road, but not in the park.
There was a chain bordered bike yard (originally pipe rail) at the bend in the road. The post of the bike yard sign still remains on the rocky knoll.

An Appropriate Concept for the 20kph Two-Way Memorial Scenic Drive:
Additional 20kph signs just prior to the bends either end of the Parking Lot.
Paint Centre Lines at the two bends.
Return the Bike Stand Yard (A chained off area at the bend in the road that could become a Re-Charging Depo
Drainage from the road greatly assists the Lake. See ‘The Ornamental Lake’ below.
The Scenic Drive has Three Drains that should all Empty into the Lake. In recent years only the Parking Lot Drain 2 was connected. Connect Drain 3 at the bend toward the Netball Courts to re-directed water into the Lake.

It would be appropriate to Name the Two-Way Scenic Drive-Way: ‘Babbage Way’ to Invite an Awareness of his Memorial Vision. Harrold G Babbage was the designer, planner and supervisor of the parks construction.
30 May ’55. The park had been vested to the Council. “The ratepayers will...be proud to accept the responsibility of maintaining the memorial to sacrifice in a state worthy of those men and women who gave their lives.” “some clear policy should be evolved to ensure sufficient finance to maintain it”
Mr Babbage...has proved that he is a master of the situation. But what will happen if, and when, he resigns from this task? Is there any guarantee that a successor will be found who will...effectively cover all operations?
See 7 Nov’ 55 At the penultimate meeting of the Memorial Committee, Mr Babbage was to be their representive in the official party on opening day. However the record shows that the Mayor alone sufficed as Mr Babbage was to recieve accolades.
T'A' Courier 2 Dec' 55 “Mr Babbage had worked unceasingly and voluntarily and to him...must go the credit for the planning and layout of this park”
See opening ceremony accolades from Mayor C.F Jacobs and Prime Minister Sidney Holland:
T'A' Courier 5 Dec’ 55 Mayor Jacobs directly addressing Mr H.G Babbage: “One man had been responsible for the idea and supervision of the construction of the park, and that man was Mr H.G Babbage.”...“The Park will stand as a living memorial to your citizenship.”
PM Sidney Holland: “Mr Holland paid respects to Mr Babbage for presenting the design that had taken fruit in the park”
Waikato Times 5 Dec’ 55 “Mr Jacobs paid a tribute to the work done partly by enthusiasts, especially naming Mr Babbage for his leadership”
Prime Minister Sidney Holland: “Te Awamutu district had good cause to be proud of its beautiful war memorial, which would stand for all time as a remarkable one. He warmly congratulated Mr Babbage on his public spiritedness adding that an hour or two before the ceremony he had flown over Te Awamutu and had seen the memorial from the air at a low altitude-it was a beautiful piece of work.”
See 14 March ‘56 As he was moving to Auckland, Mr Babbage resigned from the War Memorial Committee and also resigned as Chairman of the Maintenance Committee to continue as a member.
Profound gratitude was expressed concerning “the park owing its existence to him to a very large degree”
Voluntary construction work, donations of materials and designing work carried out by Harold Babbage was valued at over 4,000 Pounds.

The Peace Fountain. See Water Recycling Plan
One of a triad of Stone Built Monuments to Peace within the Memorial Complex.
The Historic Mural wall depicts our district’s history and our ‘Way of Life’ toward a Prosperous Future of Peace and Reconciliation. The Sunken Cross, referred to as the cross of memory, honours those who served, those who suffered and those who gave their lives for our country and our Way of Life, that we might have Peace.
The Peace Fountain symbolises that earned Peace, residing over a park made to provide and enable those qualities.
See George Warburton, Park Committee and Courier editor 30 May ’55: “The design and construction have been predominantly that of a scene of restful beauty surrounding a memorial to those who gave all that we might have peace and happiness.”
See 5 Dec’ 55: “Thus it can be reasoned that those who were prepared…to protect the freedom of the people are now, even in a memorial, continuing to serve and ensure comfort and peace.”
See 20 Aug’ 51. Harrold Babbage’s original concept involved a weeping fountain placed at the end of the Pergola. “a lovely thing” This is the shape it took. There is a small stone fountain just inside the fernery that weeps water from holes around its top.
See 28 Jan’ 55. After first: finishing the playground, the front stone wall, paving in front of the Sunken Cross, clearing ground and removing the Army Hut that was used for storage, the fountain was to finally be built in Nov’ 55, and would conclude the works programme of the Memorial Park.
See 11 May ‘55. “A fountain is to be built and the overflow from this will run into the large pond which will be filled sometime this winter from its own natural springs.”
But ground water within the excavated lake was insuffucient and it was filled via the paddling pools overflow.
See 2 Dec’ 55. The fountain was first turned on, Wednesday morning 30 Nov’ 1955, just four days before opening day, by Alf Smart who built the fountain that month. Water gushed up three feet initially and ran directly out to test the fountains emptying channels in the fernery, then being tidied by Alf Smart with collage pupils. The fountain was christened with an eel in its dish.
The fountain is 3.28 Metres high. Built in a weeping style, water is first collected in a bowl-platter and then falls. Photos from opening day and earlier show its plume to be 2 Metres high and cascading down.

The fountain’s perimeter stones differ in colour, texture and shape from the limestone and rock used throughout the park. Its stone pillar and perimeter depict the column and blast wave of an atomic detonation, making the fountain additionally significant as a memorial sculpture. It is possibly unique in the world as the only such WW2 memorial feature.
The opening day speech of Prime Minister Sidney Holland was in keeping with the post war hope for peace via nuclear deterrent:
Te Awamutu Courier 5 Dec’ 1955.
“Mr Holland spoke of the strength given to the western powers through possession of nuclear weapons, which he said, gave us great powers to stop wars.”
“We of the western powers have become stronger and we can now negotiate with strength behind us in our relations with other powers.” “Peace and freedom are not gained lightly.”
Waikato Times 5 Dec’ 1955 page 8.
“international affairs…were in a better position today because the western nations were stronger and therefore better able to negotiate for peaceable termination of disputes. Development of atomic weapons was an important factor”

In the 1950’s, Atomic Developments were popularised as great solutions for mankind.
WW2 ended due to the detonation of atomic bombs. This led to their association with peace. In post war Te Awamutu, people were well acquainted with atomic advances and issues.
See the Film ‘God of the Atom’ The colour film of war and atomic tests that screened at the town hall, 16 May ’51. 
In June ‘54, The Mayor, executive officers and councillors attended an address on nuclear energy.
The Courier was frequently featuring articles on Atomic Developments, with headlines such as:
‘A Power for Peace’ ‘Peaceful use of Powerful Weapon’ ‘Peacetime uses of Atomic Energy’ ‘Atoms for Peace Plan’ ‘Use of Atoms against Floods’ ‘Atomic Revolution’ ‘Disarmament and H-Bombs’ ‘X-Ray Solution to Atomic Age’ ‘Peaceful Co-existence’ ‘NZ Atomic Energy. Co-operation Pledged for Peace’
‘Radioactive Atoms Work for Mankind’ ‘Atoms for Peace’ ‘Atomic Power for Inter-planet Travel’ ‘Nuclear Policy for Peaceful Disarmament’ ‘Advent of Nuclear Navy’ ‘Atomic Power for Peace’ Note The Theme.

An Appropriate Proposal for the Peace Fountain. There is ample space for a contemporary memorial for service and sacrifice subsequent to WW2 on Anzac Parade.
The fountain can easily function without costly ongoing technical issues, just as the Rose Garden’s fountain has for aprox’ 50 years. See Water Recycling Plan.
This is not a ‘significant challenge’ as was stated in the defunct Boffa Miskell draft plan.
The fountain’s dish holds 4.4 cubic Metres. Even if filled with town supply water, it would cost $ 7. If the fountain was run on weekends and holidays from 11am to 3pm with an immersed mains powered water pump, very little water would be lost to splash and evaporation, costing only cents per day.
However, if the fountain was instead filled and topped up with water from the fernery, it would not even have a daily cost.
A small top up pump in the fernery could run off a solar panel.
If the fountain's top up from the fernery was set to slowly overflow the fountain, its existing overflow outlet would again contribute to the lake, as was intended.

Community engagement and signage educating visitors on the price paid for peace could take the form of a plaque fixed to one of the fountains perimeter stones, acknowledging V’J’ Day, the end of WW2 and subsequent J Force conscription service of our drafted J Force soldiers of 1946-48 for their service in Japan. 

The driveway was sealed aprox’ in late May ‘55. Its road drains also helped fill the lake as the fountain was not finished until 30 Nov 55. Road drains are now vital for refreshing the lake.
Road Drain 1 on the road bend. Completely blocked for years with no connection to the lake since aprox’ 2001 when the lake edge was relined. Reconnected by volunteers.
Road Drain 2 (delivering water from both sides of the car park) has been working.
Road Drain 3 (delivering water from both sides of the road) west of the car park, empties below the middle of three footpaths and has been washing out the lower river path for decades. Its outlet is only 18 metres from the lake edge.
There is ample evidence that the lake has been poorly managed.
Road drain 1 was cleared 20 March ‘20. It's input to the lake was then re-connected by volunteers. Rain can now significantly raise the lake level, with drain 2 in the par park also operating.
Drain 3 at the road bend towards the netball courts should now also be piped to the lake, after decades of washing out the lower river path.
The lake's ability to flush out depends on the height of the outlet pipe. The overflow spillway was originally an open channel and could again be ‘daylighted’
Many trees surrounding the lake make leaf fall into the water. A partly felled tree had been left in the lake since August 2017. (removed by a volunteer April ’20) This, and a tree stump at the base of the river bank nearest the N-W lake edge, causing water to scour the bank, was reported to councils manager of facilities at the 14 Aug’ 18 Community Board meeting. Such stumps had caused recent riverbank erosion adjacent to the netball courts and on Pioneer walk leading to expensive repairs.  Assurance was given that the lake was not being managed toward a case to dispose of it. The stump in the stream bend near the lake remains.
Two jet fountains are in place in the lake for aeration. Prior to being fixed by volunteers, one had not functioned for a year, the other for three years, due to a break in its supply pipe. Soon after the repair on 11 Aug' 20, its nozzle was found sawn off. After fixing this, the other fountain was also got going by simply clearing a bolus of debris from under it's nozzle. These and the waterfall run off an electric pump supplied by an inlet pipe to the pump's reservoir. The inlet pipe is left high and dry when water levels drop, when it is needed most, like all through the summer of '19-'20 without waterfall or jet fountains and just one of three road drains contributing.

Mara Hupara. Additional Playgound.
As it is, people mostly use the wide open space (amphitheatre) north of the Pergola when gathering for a family function.
There is space for a Mara Hupara Play Trail (for ages 2 to 12) where the 18 hole mini-put golf course was; at the north-west corner of the open flat area north of the Pergola.
There is plenty of space for additional play equipment over the Magaohoi, in the Picnic/ Playground area donated for such by Mr Austin Yarndley in 1951
Between the Oak trees were three barbeque fire places with three picnic tables. Play equipment there included a three piece swing set, a vintage tractor donated by Mr Lucas in 1961. The Climax Steam engine donated by Jonas Smith of Smyth and Boyer rested there from aprox'1960 till Nov' 2004.
Between 1980-2000 there were climbing logs, a fort and a may pole. Picnic tables and swings removed from there by council should be returned to the area. With a dogs ‘On Leash’ status for the area.

Entry Archways VS Many Gateways. Boffa Miskell: “Strengthening the connection between areas.“
By function or by title, Gateways do not “strengthen connection between areas” They restrict/demarcate from the wider community. Gateways planned for the Pergola entrance would confuse the memorial legacy.
From the outset, the park design envisaged the requirement of a road bridge connecting Mutu St with Ohaupo road. The bridge was finally in place by 21 April 1989.
See 20 Aug’ 51. The Original Concept: “As a route would be immediately past the park, their first impressions would be lasting.”
The Park, including the Entry Archway of 2002, is impressive to all who pass by, to or from that bridge. The park’s Entry Arches embellish and strengthen the memorial design.

Gates were considered inappropriate for the Memorial Park.
See 20 Aug’ 51 “The Government has laid down that finance for war memorials must be for projects which are public in character, and the main feature of the park is that it is open to all sections of the public.”
15 June ’51 Prior to Harrold Babbage’s input: “It was generally agreed that gates be erected at the entrance”
25 July ‘51 After Harrold’s Concept Plan was adopted: “Memorial gates have been mentioned…as a memorial feature of the park, but I consider that gates are a failure” “The original scheme was simply to have gates to tell the people that they were entering a memorial park”
20 Aug’ 51 “Gates to the park had been eliminated as unnecessary” Instead the stone wall along Mutu st was suggested, with steel gates sliding inside the walls during the day. Only the stone wall eventuated.
20 Oct’ 52. Mayor Parsons: “A beautified, restful area, open at all times to all the people”
11 March ’53. “Mr Babbage reported that an offer had been received from engineers in town to make iron gates to be placed at the entrance to the park and the offer was accepted”
11 May ’55. “It was at one time intended to build a large memorial gateway to the park…lights are to be installed in preference” They too were not installed.

The Mangaohoi stream was also realigned at the netball end of the park some time prior to 1962.
A section between the three stream-side paths and the netball court, was straightened. The grass sloped end of the netball courts was the original ‘left bank’ of the Mangahoi stream. However, all current local maps, still show the streams original ‘Z’ shaped course.

Puna Restoration
Just below the netball courts is a significant spring that could be developed without destruction, as is proposed for the Semi-Sunken Garden memorial feature.
Emerging from the slope below the netball courts is a spring outlet feature clad in limestone. It flowed immediately under a small stone slab footbridge (removed by council) The output is now piped under the path as if a nuisance, and heads off to enter the stream. All of the objectives for Puna restoration can be met here.

See Park reports of 1967. In this area was a Double Sided Picnic Shelter. It and the Army footbridge, were installed as late as 1968 via a bequest from Marion Dawson in 1966.
Alf Smart developed the area from 1965 onward with plantings and paths including a large boulder rockery beside the spring, donated by Mr C.H Douglas. This picnic area should still be benefiting winter netball attendees. Double sided picnic shelters as built by A.L Waters ltd could be rebuilt. It would be nice to see the small stone footbridge over the spring again.

The Lost Sunken Rose Garden.
The Sunken Rose Garden was destroyed in April 07 due to “ongoing maintenance problems”
Ironically, the flower bed that has resulted from the removal of the Sunken Rose Garden, takes up an inordinate amount of maintenance at the expense of the parks many memorial features.
See 24 March ’54. Stressed from inception: permanent materials, rock, concrete, paths and roadway would complete the park.
“It was not considered that the planting of flowerbeds or plots came within the scope of the construction of the park, whereas trees, shrubs, and lawns, which were of a permanent nature, did.”
Despite this maintenance concept, over attending to flower beds instead of the general upkeep of the park, continues.

5 April ’07. The destruction was referred to as a “significant upgrade for the garden” with new drainage, footpath and kerb.  $42,000 was spent levelling it, rather than making repairs.
Within the Sunken Rose Garden were waterways that wound their way through around and under rockery features of steps, paths, seats, small footbridges, small pools, four rose beds and a sloped cactus plot.
Toward the entrance the water passed under the road, then through the rockery to the Sunken Lily pond, then on through the Sunken Fernery.
5 April ’07. Shirley Stirling: “It is a shame that the rockery and Sunken Rose Garden which was created through community efforts 52 years ago seems destined to be grassed over.”
”This project has been described as a restoration, but it sounds more like replacement to me”
Do not allow the same to happen to the rest of Our War Memorial Park.

See the Sunken Cross’s Honour Roll
2 Dec’ 55. Arthur Warburton: “It is the result of the combined efforts of many public spirited citizens and a credit to us all. To view the project in retrospect may not bring back completely the task that these people set their hand to, but at least it will give the people some idea of the hopes, the fears and, indeed the accomplishments over a long period.”
See Published Contributors List.

5 Dec’ 55 Arthur Warburton. “Will the People in their turn be as faithful? Will they as this generation passes on, hand down the same spirit of service and sacrifice?”

Let this Submission also serve as a Heritage Assessment.
14.8.18 Anne McEwen. “I think that it would be a really good idea if council were to undertake a heritage assessment before they [whoever they are] decide to demolish or redevelop any council-owned asset of possible/likely historic interest.”

Marc Dawson.
acb3d@xtra.co.nz
I would like the opportunity to speak about this submission.