A memorial to the services of Taranaki's soldiers in the World War II. The chamber consists of a dark-green breccia wall with bronze lettering, an etched glass panel with salmon-coloured backing and a white limestone surround. The etched glass panel was designed by E. Mervyn Taylor.
The New Plymouth Library, Taranaki Museum and War Memorial Hall was opened in 1960. Its successor, the combined library /museum, Puke Ariki, was opened in 2003
A small screen displaying World War II photographs and a glass display case with NZ uniforms and artefacts were added later and the faux rock feature in front of the memorial covers the original white brick planter-box. The polystyrene rocks were added during the 'upgrade' of the memorial during construction of Puke Ariki, 2002-03
Inscriptions:
Green/Black Breccia Wall:
IN HONOURED MEMORY
OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
FOR THEIR COUNTRY
Top Windows (printed):
FOR OUR TOMORROW THEY GAVE THEIR TODAY
White Limestone surround:
Left: Right:
FROM THIS THEY DID
THEIR HOME THEIR DUTY
THEY WENT FORTH ON LAND, ON SEA
TO WAR AND IN THE AIR
Further Reading: James, Bryan: E Mervyn Taylor Artist: Craftsman, 2006. pp125-27.
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