Taradale’s First World War memorial is an impressive concrete clock tower located in a small park at the intersection of Avondale Road and Gloucester Street, Taradale. The tower was designed by Jack Ellis and built by A.B. Davis. It was unveiled by Governor-General Viscount Jellicoe on 16 December 1923.
The dedicatory tablet reveals more than a hint of civic pride, TARADALE AND DISTRICT SOLDIERS / MEMORIAL / RESIDENTS ELECTED GENERAL COMMITTEE / 26TH FEB 1917. / MEMORIAL UNVEILED BY / ADMIRAL VISCOUNT JELLICOE / GOVERNOR GENERAL OF N.Z. / 16TH DEC. 1923. / W. JARVIS CHAIRMAN. J. ELLIS CHAIRMAN TOWN BOARD. / J. WILLIAMSON SEC.
The roll of honour is inscribed on marble tablets set into alcoves on three faces of the clock tower. The tablet listing the names of the districts 61 fallen is set underneath an arch inscribed DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI [:] ERECTED IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT AND IN FIGHTING FELL. This tablet was paid for by donations from the children of local schools.
The names of those who returned from service are listed on tablets set in alcoves headed respectively ONE GOD. ONE FLAG. ONE EMPIRE. PRO LIBERTATATE and PAKU I TAKU TINANA E NUI ANA I TAKU MANAWA. Together, these tablets display 245 names.
Read the History of the Taradale War Memorial Clock: https://bit.ly/2U31OhE
Sources:
- Napier City Council
- Taradale: The Story of a Village 1844-2000 by Janet Gordon and Shirley Spence
Imagery:
- Napier City Council