Soldiers' Memorial Park Gates
SOLDIER HEROES.
MEMORIAL AT KINGSCOTE.
Several years ago a committee purchased recreation grounds for a Soldiers' Memorial Park, at Kingscote. By working bees, the ground has been graded, grassed, and planted with trees. The memorial gates are of ornamental ironwork, with cement pillars, 10 ft. high, which support a fine ornamental iron arch. On the main pillars marble slabs are affixed, that on the left bears the following inscription:—
"To the honor of those who enlisted in this district for service in the great war, 1914-1918, this park was purchased, improved, and gates erected by public subscription."
The tablet on the right bears the following inscription:—
"Empire:— A force which has for generations past, Impelled men on to deeds which, live for ever; A force that ne'er will die, while true men last That never will fade, but in some high endeavor, Unite brave men of every creed and cast. A love which knows no question, but through fire, Through water and through hell, if be the need, Will drive men onward to a goal much higher, Than can be attained by thought of gain or creed [sic], A love all powerful, all supreme, the love, of Empire."
Mr. H. S. Hudd, M.P., who performed the opening ceremony, said there was no work in connection with his public duties which gave him greater pleasure than that of associating himself with memorials to the men who went to the great war. He was proud to know that memorials were erected, or being erected practically in every district in the State. It did not matter a great deal what form the memorial took, but the "Soldiers Memorial Park" was ideal. It reflected great credit on the people of the Kingscote district. It would be a place where the men, women and youth of the district could find enjoyment and healthy recreation, and thus develop their minds and bodies. He spoke of the work of the Australian troops on the French and Eastern fronts, and dwelt on the extreme confidence of the French civilians in the Australian boys.
The position was excellent, commanding, as it did, such a splendid view of the gulf and surrounding country. He congratulated the committee on the fine gates erected and was proud to know that one of the ex members of his battalion (Mr. V. R. Boothby) was the contractor for the erec tion of the gates and cement pillars. The amount of work done by the working bees was commendable, and he hoped as years rolled on every one in the district would do his best to preserve and beautify the Memorial Park, so that the district could for all time point with pleasure to the memorial. As an ex member of the A.I.F.. he thanked everyone for what they had done for his comrades. He had much pleasure in opening the gates of the Soldiers' Memorial Park. (Applause.)
Mr. R Wheaton moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Hudd, which was carried by hearty acclamation. On behalf of the memorial committee, as chairman, he ap pealed to all to support the committee in completing the work. The gates were then opened by Mr. Hudd, and at the invitation of the chairman the parents of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice passed through the gates, followed by the parents of those who enlisted, the returned men, and the public. The collection box at the gate re ceived the generous amount of over £13. During the afternoon Messrs. G. Barrett and Mr. G. A. Turner, two members of the committee, donated three sheep each, which were sold on the Bugler system, and brought £17 17/.
These gates were built in 1922 by . R. S. Boothey, 43rd Battalion, A.I.F., 1882-1950. For King, Country and Community.
To the Honor of those who enlisted from this District for Service in the Great War 1914-1919.
This park was purchased, improved, and gates erected by public subscription.
Mr Robert Wheaton, Chairman of the Committee and Council, officially invited Captain Hudd to open the gates as a lasting and fitting memorial to the people of this Island who heard the call of duty.
EMPIRE
A force for which generations past, Impelled men on to deeds which live forever; A force that ne're will die, while true men last, That never will fade, but in some high endeavour, Unite brave men of every creed and caste; A love which knows no question, but through fire, Through water, and through hell if be the need, Will drive men on to a goal much higher, Than that attained by thought of gain or greed; A love all powerful, all supreme, the love of Empire.
Officially rededicated by His Excellency, the Honourable Hieu Van Le, AO, Governor of South Australia, on March 30 2015.
Sir Herbert Sydney Hudd M.P., who officially opened the gates in Nov 1922, was a military captain, who was awarded the Military Cross.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Hudd