Soldiers' stories will complement restoration

As restoration of the Palmerston war memorial (pictured) started this week, plans are being made to collect details about each of the members of the armed forces whose death in the two world wars is recorded there.

Waihemo Community Board chairman Rod Philip said a group of Palmerston people was working on the stories for each soldier. Information was being sought from families of the servicemen and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Reconditioning of the memorial is expected to be completed before Anzac Day but gathering of the stories for the more than 70 servicemen whose names were listed on the memorial might take longer, Mr Philip said.

More than $2000 has been donated by the Palmerston RSA and public towards the work, but the likely cost is expected to be between $9000 and $10,000, which will be shared between the Palmerston-Waihemo RSA, community donations and the Waitaki District Council.