Ashburton South African War memorial

Ashburton South African War memorial.

Ashburton chose a tall, polished red granite obelisk – designed by young Christchurch architect Samuel Hurst Seager – to commemorate its South African War dead.

The first public memorial of a ‘lasting nature’ in the district was unveiled by Mayor W.H. Collins in October 1903. Located in Baring Square facing East Street, it lists the names of district’s soldiers lost in the conflict. The monument also commemorates the coronation of Edward VII.

Further information

• ‘Fallen Troopers Memorial – Public Meeting’, Ashburton Guardian, 14 July 1902, p. 3
• ‘Coronation and Fallen Troopers’ Memorial’, Ashburton Guardian, 12 January 1903, p. 3
• ‘Fallen Troopers’ Memorial – The Unveiling Ceremony’, Ashburton Guardian, 19 October 1903, Page 2