Wharenui School memorial gates

Originally unveiled in 1922, the memorial gates at Wharenui School commemorate those who served in both the First World War and Second World War.

The Wharenui School Memorial gates were originally situated on the corner of Matipo Street and Elizabeth Street. The gates consist of two stone pillars constructed by William Hinnels Winsor from Cashmere Hills stone. A plaque is inlaid on each pillar.

The plaque on the northern pillar reads:

Wharenui School. 1914-1918. In Memory of: Herbert H. Johnston; Percy J. Lowe; James Archibald; Albert T. C. Henery; Harry J. Ormandy.

The plaque on the southern pillar reads:

Wharenui School. 1939-1945. Dedicated to those who served. "We shall remember them".

The memorial also originally included a set of wooden gates made from jarrah. These wooden gates are no longer there, presumably they may have been removed when the gates were relocated to their present site on Matipo Street.

The gates were officially opened with a ceremony held on 23 April 1922. Ministers from the various different churches in the district made tributes and Winsor presented Colin Lowe (the son of Percival Lowe who is listed on the plaque) with the key to the gates. Memorial services were held each Anzac Day at the gates until the early 1960s when the ceremony was discontinued through lack of attendance.

References

Wilson, Alan S. History of Wharenui School : 75th Jubilee 1907 – 1982. Christchurch, N.Z.: Jubilee Committee, 1982.

School Committees, Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17429, 13 April 1922, p.9.