Search for tablets from memorial arch

ORNATE: The opening of the memorial archway in 1920. The marble tablets can be seen to the left and right of the main entrance. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

An important piece of Wairarapa's military history has seemingly vanished and members of a historical society are appealing to the public to help solve the mystery.

The Carterton District Historical Society is looking for two marble tablets that formed part of the memorial archway at the old Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Society showgrounds, and bear the names of members lost in World War I.

The archway, which was opened after the war in 1920 in the Belvedere Rd grounds, was demolished in 1976.

The wrought-iron gates from the archway were kept and are still in use at the entrance to the Clareville showgrounds, but the whereabouts of the marble tablets remains a mystery.

Records show a Masterton farmer undertook the demolition of the archway in return for keeping the bricks, but the identity of the farmer is unknown.

Historical society member Ann Nielsen said they wanted to find the tablets for the World War I exhibition in Carterton.

"It came up when we were looking for something for the memorials ... I wondered if anyone does have them stored away somewhere in their shed. Someone somewhere must know where they are."

The society did have a list of the names of the fallen A&P Society members but believed the spelling of some names to be incorrect and wished to verify the correct names using the tablets, Mrs Nielsen said.

Keeping track of historical items like the tablets was important.

"Things in the past aren't getting preserved and there are so many things that when people die just get put it in the rubbish bin."

Wairarapa A&P secretary Lynley Hamilton said they were "at a loss" as to the whereabouts of the tablets.

"No-one actually seems to know what happened."

They had put an appeal for information in their newsletter and discussed the issue with several older society members, but still had no leads.

"No-one really knows, but with this 100 year anniversary people suddenly have an appreciation of history and memorials - but no-one can really guess or have any idea."

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the tablets can contact Ann Nielsen on (06) 379 9233 or call the A&P Society on (06) 379 8124.