The Peace Monument on the summit of Mauao

The Peace Monument on Top of Mount Maunganui
Mirrielees Series 48.

The Peace Monument on the summit of Mauao marks the spot where a beacon fire was lit on July 19th 1919 to commemorate peace. On the 19th February 1920 the Bay of Plenty Times reported:

The peace memorial tablet which is to be erected on the site of the peace beacon fire on the crest of Mauao has arrived here. It is of New Zealand stone, weighing about 1cwt. and bears an inscription setting forth the object of its erection and the names of the sixteen localities which responded to the fire signal by similar beacons at elevated positions on the mainland and adjacent islands. The transport of the marble block to the summit is a laborious operation , but will not call for as much strength and vigour as the voluntary carrying of the seventy tar barrels to the top on the occasion of the beacon fire. The work of carrying the block to the summit of Mauao has been undertaken by the same enthusiastic band which so effectively carried out the work in connection with the original fire on July 19.

Detail of plaque

On this spot on July 19th 1919 a beacon fire was lit to commemorate PEACE.  Answering signals were received from:  Otanewainuku, Pawharangi, Omanawa (2), Kati Kati Heads, Whakamarama, Motiti Isd., Te Puna Point, Maketu, Omokoroa, Otamarakau, Matakana Isd., Pikowai, Athenree, Paengaroa.

The memorial stone was commissioned from Parkinson and Co. Auckland at the cost of 11 pounds and 5 shillings. It was a further 18s 4d to freight it to Mt. Maunganui.