To those passing along State Highway 1, the Boer War monument is probably Oamaru's most recognisable landmark. Now, work has begun on shifting the 960-tonne structure. Bureau chief David Bruce reports.
Trooper Jack has stood with his rifle at the ready for 113 years at Oamaru's major intersection since he was unveiled atop the Boer War monument in 1905.
Now, he is on the move to a new station, about 40m further south along Thames St. But the impressive 12m high monument, which weighs almost 1000 tonnes, was almost not built.
It was the efforts of Waitaki Boys High School master W. G. Grave that raised most of the $3236 needed to fund the monument.
But, through an oversight, he never received an official invitation to the unveiling by then Governor of New Zealand, Lord William Lee Plunket, on February 2, 1905 - two and a-half years after the foundation stone was laid for the project.
"To-day were crowned North Otago's efforts to establish an imperishable tribute to the memories of those of its sons whose valour ended in their sepulchre in a strange and far distant land.
"The imposing pile, which has just been consecrated . . . ," was the way the local newspaper, The Oamaru Mail, described the unveiling which took on all the atmosphere of a main street festival.
The monument is a tribute to the 14 North Otago men who died in the 1899 to 1902 South African War.
The idea of a monument to the fallen soldiers was inspired by a subsidy offered by the Government to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII. Hence the laying of the foundation stone on August 9, 1902 - coronation day.
But the $200 was spent on coronation day celebrations, and the kick-start to the monument fund was lost.
Eventually, the Waitaki County Council donated $200 and the Caledonian Society $100 to revive fund-raising.
A committee, which numbered 30 at its peak, was drawn together to raise the money needed.
But enthusiasm waned until the whole project evolved to W. G. Grave. While the zeal of others had cooled, Mr Grave's enthusiasm did not.
Mr Grave, over six months, canvassed the whole of North Otago from Ku-row to Moeraki.
He lived on his bicycle, and he gave up his term and Christmas holidays to pursue donations. He was out in all weather and visited all kinds of localities, often returning home late at night.
Meanwhile, the choice of a site for the monument was unanimous.
In the centre of Oamaru where Thames, Severn and Coquet Sts intersected, was a large open space which was fitting for the monument.
In time, it would also become the turning point for SH1 traffic, approaching the monument from north and south.
The foundation stone was laid by Oamaru Mayor Hedley and two boys and two girls were chosen by from the public schools of North Otago - Willie Johnston (Totara), Nellie Ciff (Windsor), G. Glen (South) and Alice Perry (Middle School).
After a lull, a competition to design the monument was held. About 30 submissions were received and the design by Dunedin architects Bergamini and Reid was chosen, winning them $20.
Messr Thompson of Dunedin tendered $2750 to build the monument but, after six months, found their estimate was too low.
Minor changes to the design were made by Oamaru architect J. M. Forrester and Oamaru monumentalist J. Crombie was given the contract of $2600 to build it. Construction was completed on November 1904.
The monument, including Trooper Jack and the recumbent lion at its base with its fountain, faces south towards what was in those days the centre of Oamaru's business district.
Once shifted, it will face north.
The official unveiling of the monument on February 2, 1905, was a gala occasion. It was prompted by the visit of Governor Lord Plunket.
After an address by Oamaru Mayor J. M. Brown, the governor removed the Union Jack which was covering the 14 names on the monument.
A firing party from the Oamaru Rifles fired three volleys and the Last Post was played.
There were further speeches and "cheers for his Excellency" and the Mayor closed proceedings.
