The lion unveiled. Mayor Hamish McDouall hands the shroud to Brodie Stubbs, memorials and taonga manager, Manatu Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS
A recumbent lion, a memorial to British soldiers who fought and died in the 19th century in Whanganui, was unveiled and blessed last Friday morning after extensive refurbishment and cleaning.
The Lion Monument on the Veteran's Steps in Queen's Park was unveiled in 1893 in memory of of imperial and
colonial troops who died in the New Zealand Wars in the district and in particular the battles of Te Ngutu o Te Manu and Nukumaru, says Brodie Stubbs, memorials and taonga manager, Manatu Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
"Paid for by the citizens of Whanganui with a contribution from government, the memorial was designed and sculpted by Whanganui artist George Sheriff from Waikawa bluestone and marble. The monument was the first example in New Zealand of a sculptured lion, representative of departed British heroes.
"The monument also marks the graves of 17 men of the 18th and 50th Regiments killed at the Battle of Nukumaru on 25 January 1865 who are buried nearby. Their names are listed on panels set in the alcove behind the lion.
"The Lion Monument is one of 83 national monuments and historic gravesites throughout Aotearoa for which Manatu Taonga is responsible.
"Costing approximately $200,000, this has been a four-month restoration project and my thanks go to Lime Works Ltd and local firm Scafit Ltd for making the structure safe and restoring the lion to top-notch condition," Brodie Stubbs says.
Friday was a solemn occasion with guest speakers and many waiata.
Reverend Stephan van Os found the blessing particularly memorable.
"I have served with the Royal Irish Regiment and there are the remains of soldiers of the 18th Foot which is an antecedent regiment of a regiment I served with in Afghanistan. The other men whose remains are buried here are the antecedents of Princess of Wales Royal Regiment alongside of whom I served in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Brodie Stubbs says the maintenance of graves and memorials provides an opportunity for current and future generations to learn about our history and gain an understanding of who we are.
