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Waikerie Institute Soldiers Memorial HallPrint Page Print this page

13-January-2007 (Roger Johnson)
13-January-2007 (Roger Johnson)

Photographs supplied by Roger Johnson / Graeme Saunders

The Institute Soldiers Memorial Hall commemorates those who died in service or were killed in action during World War One.

WAIKERIE, March 18. — A large crowd assembled to witness the arrival of Sir Wm, Birdwood on Wednesday. The   distinguished visitor was received by Major T. G. Heming, president of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' League. General Birdwood had a few words and shook hands with over 80 returned soldiers. A social by the returned soldiers was given in the coffee palace. Among those present were the Minister of Repatriation (Hon. E. A. Anstey), the Commandant (Brigadier-General Antill), Major Pain, D.S.O., Mr. Victor Ryan (director of the Government Tourist Bureau), and the representative of the Returned Soldiers' League (Colonel Butler). Mr. A. E. Ross, on behalf of the residents, assured General Birdwood that his visit to Waikerie was a great pleasure to them. General Birdwood responded, speaking feelingly of the fallen soldiers, and giving great praise to the diggers for the manful part they took in the great war. Hearty cheers were given for the "boss digger." Mr. Anstey spoke of the repatriation work done by the State Government. General Birdwood then laid the foundation-stone of the memorial hall. A concert, dance, and supper wound up a day long to be remembered here. The takings for the day amounted to £145 in aid of the memorial hall, £105 being placed on the foundation-stone.
Chronicle (Adelaide), 27 March 1920.

The fine new building erected for the Institute and Soldiers' Memorial Hall are nearing completion. The electricians are installing the electric light. The contractor (Mr. C. Mills) anticipates handing over the building this week. Two fine billiard tables have been installed. It is expected the furnishing of the soldiers' portion (the whole of the basement) will be commenced in a few days.

Any friends who have spare books, periodicals or copies of music, and who desire to gladden the heart of the returned soldiers, are invited to send them to the secretary of the R.S.A. or to the club rooms, Waikerie. The official opening will occur on Saturday, June 11 when Mr. W. D. Price, M.C. (president of. the State Branch of the R.S.A.) will declare the building open.
Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record (Renmark, SA), 3 June 1921.

Location

Address:White & McCoy Streets, Waikerie, 5330
State:SA
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -34.179144
Long: 139.985944
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Structure
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:WW1
Actual Event Start Date:04-August-1914
Actual Event End Date:28-June-1919

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Wednesday 17th March, 1920
Front Inscription

Waikerie Institute

Soldiers Memorial Hall

Plaque :

Soldiers Memorial Hall.

This stone was laid by Gen. Sir William Birdwood C.C.M.C., K.C.B., K.C.S.I., C.I.E., D.S.O.. 

In memory of those who enlisted from Waikerie and fell in the Great War

1914 - 1919. 

March 1920.

Source: MA,RVWM
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au