Editorial: RSA sign missing no longer

Chris Harold, president of the Whangarei Returned and Services Association, got in touch with the <i>Northern Advocate</i> to say it had been found on a pile of metal. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The WhangareI RSA's Lest We Forget sign has been returned - great news.

Chris Harold, president of the Whangarei Returned and Services Association, got in touch with the Northern Advocate to say it had been found on a pile of metal, between Whangarei and Dargaville.

We had hypothesised that it was in a flat somewhere in central Whangarei, after being taken in a mindless, alcohol-fuelled prank. Privately I had crossed my fingers and hoped that it was not in a creek somewhere, starting a slow, water-logged rotting death.

The Advocate's publicity about the missing sign and the $1000 reward helped get it back - apparently someone had seen photos we published of the sign, and recognised it.

It's in good condition, and will be reinstated in time for Anzac Day, along with the March 28 unveiling of the new Memorial Wall at Laurie Hall Park.

Mr Harold says the sign's theft evoked a lot of respectful sentiment for returned service men and women. "Thank you for all the comments and wishes that I received from people in the street. It goes to show that the general public of Whangarei have a lot of respect for the Returned and Service men and women and their families and were very upset with the sign having been stolen.

"I offer thanks from all our Returned and Service personnel and associate members of the Whangarei Returned and Services Association for the support and well wishes received."

I'm delighted we have been able to pass on Mr Harold's thanks, and that the sign has been found. Thanks again to our readers for helping make this happen.