Napier's War Memorial Hall underwent its most significant structural change and use of purpose since opening in 1957 in 1995 to become a (then) modern conference centre. At that time, the Roll of Honour and Eternal Flame were moved inside the building from the outside.
The name was changed to the War Memorial Conference Centre. But even before the 1995 alterations its original ethos as a community hall had arguably been eroding. Guy Natusch, the original architect - if I could put words in his mouth - might well say this had started as early as the 1960s.
A commercial restaurant was operating from the War Memorial Hall before the 1995 makeover. However, the 1995 version of the building did retain the flame, roll of honour and the words War Memorial - something the 2017 one didn't.
I am part of the committee to come up with a recommendation as to the building's name, and placement of the eternal flame and roll of honour.
My stance from the beginning was this. The eternal flame and roll of honour were originally on the outside of the 1957 War Memorial Hall. This was so people could come across it easily and friends and family could have access.
For me it makes sense for the roll of honour and eternal flame to be outside of the building, not put back inside - for the same reasons as the 1957 original - accessibility for friends and family of the servicemen and women and for people to come across the memorial to hopefully reflect upon the sacrifices made.
These memorials should be close to the building to reflect its past association with it. I (and I understand this is also shared by the original architect, Guy Natusch) believe the ideal position for this is where the floral clock now resides - just outside of the building (this clock, incidentally, was moved from its original position in front of the old War Memorial Hall in 1995).
The floral clock, I believe, would make a wonderful additional to the Sunken Gardens where it would likely be seen and appreciated more.
As in days past there is a small element of people who delight in destroying things. Therefore, in placing the flame outside again some thought will have to be put into the design to make sure it indeed remains "eternal" but this, I understand, is not impossible.
True, the Roll of Honour and Eternal Flame won't be in the same position as they were originally in 1957 and attached to the building, but I believe this site is equal, if not better.
It must be remembered that the original purpose and form of the building as a community hall has long been lost - but the important elements of its naming, Roll of Honour and Eternal Flame can be restored to serve as a reminder of the highest sacrifice made by these individuals.
There will be some who will not agree with my reasoning and will want nothing but a restoration of the 1995 configuration. I respect that. But for me, going back to the 1957 principle of accessibility to the flame, roll of honour and name recognition of or within the building as a war memorial is the best solution - just as it was originally intended to do.
The Napier City Council is holding a consultation meeting on Tuesday, August 1, at 5.30pm at the MTG Century Theatre where the three proposals the committee identified will be shown in more detail. You have seen my preferred option.
Many understandably will be still be upset over this whole process, but I encourage you to attend with an open mind and see what is being presented.
Michael Fowler is a local historian and a columnist for Hawke's Bay Today. His columns appear every Saturday in Hawke's Bay Today Weekend. His email address is mfhistory@gmail.com.Views expressed here are the writer's opinion and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz
