Dunedin man Charlie Boyes is calling for signposting at Anzac Square (the area in front of Dunedin Railway Station) which was an important site in the city's military history. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD
‘‘After my great-grandsons and I attended the Dawn Service, we were having a cuppa at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, when we were approached by a family asking directions to Anzac Square,’’ Mr Boyes said.
‘‘They had been searching, but had no luck finding it.
‘‘So I walked along with them and realised that there was no signage of any kind to show people the way to this very important historic site, and no information about it anywhere.’’
Disappointed and intrigued, he decided to try an experiment and began asking local people if they knew the location of Anzac Square — only a very few did.
On one memorable occasion, he asked a young gardener at work in Anzac Square if they knew where it was. They did not.
Anzac Square is the green space in front of Dunedin Railway Station, photographed by thousands of visitors from around New Zealand and overseas every year.
The Otago quota of men for the Twenty-second Reinforcements parade in Anzac Square during a farewell ceremony in October 1916. PHOTO: OTAGO WITNESS COLLECTION
Many fewer returned, to be given a rapturous welcome — again at Anzac Square.
During World War 2, Anzac Square was once again heavily used for the movement of troops and equipment.
Mr Boyes also recalled that there was once a war memorial near the railway station which listed the names of New Zealand’s Victoria Cross recipients.
Determined that Anzac Square be given the recognition it deserves, Mr Boyes has been lobbying Dunedin City Council staff for appropriate signage to be installed in the area.
‘‘I believe they are quite keen, but there seems to be a lot of discussion going on,’’ he said.
‘‘That’s fine, but in the meantime, it would be good to see some temporary signage there to at least let people know that they are standing in Anzac Square.’’
A serving member of the 4RNZIR Territorials for 20 years, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant, Mr Boyes feels it is important for the city’s residents to remember its military history.
He has attended every Dawn Service for more than 60 years, and is a proud member of the Otago Military History Group.
In a statement responding to inquiries from The Star, a Dunedin City Council spokesperson said staff were working to develop appropriate interpretive signage that would fit with and enhance the values of Anzac Square.
‘‘We are also considering broader signage needs in the area to ensure a cohesive approach that enhances visitor experience without detracting from the reserve’s heritage, landscape, and amenity values,’’ the spokesperson said.
‘‘Anzac Square is among our most important civic and commemorative spaces, attracts large numbers of visitors and boasts significant heritage and amenity values.
‘‘We also agree it is important to acknowledge the site’s wartime significance, including its role as a place from which many servicemen departed and, in many cases, did not return.
‘‘Appropriate interpretation would help inform visitors and residents while recognising the solemn and commemorative nature of the location.’’
With regard to temporary signage, this could be considered, although it would be important to ensure any temporary signage was appropriate and did not create clutter or adversely affect the amenity of Anzac Square, the statement said.
