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Matong Memorial Gates

Matong Memorial Gates
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Matong Memorial Gates
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Matong Memorial Gates
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Matong Memorial Gates, close up of pediment
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Matong Memorial Gates, left side arch pillar and fence
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Matong Memorial Gates, right side arch pillar and fence
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Matong Memorial Gates, close up of right side arch pillar with honour rolls
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Matong Memorial Gates, close up of First World War honour roll, plaque 1
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Matong Memorial Gates, close up of First World War honour roll, plaque 2
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Matong Memorial Gates, close up of other honour rolls, on left arch pillar and left side of beam
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Matong Memorial Gates, close up of other honour rolls, on right arch pillar and right side of beam
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Archival image. Matong Memorial Gates with crowd gathered for ribbon cutting ceremony
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Description / Background

The Matong Memorial Gates were established in 1934. They are comprised of a low brick fence and a brick and concrete arch. Decorative iron panels are positioned along the fence, between low brick pillars, which are capped with concrete slabs. The arch consists of two taller brick pillars, topped with a concrete beam. Above the beam is a triangular concrete pediment, bearing the year '1934'. A bronze 'Rising Sun' badge and a plaque with the years '1939–45' are positioned below the year. The top edge of the pediment is bordered by bricks. Attached to the top of these bricks is an iron arch, bearing the words 'Memorial Gates'. A light fixture is suspended from the centre of the metalwork.

Inset into to the front faces of both arch pillars are grey granite tablets, inscribed with the names of those who served in the First World War. At the top of each tablet is a smaller bronze Rising Sun badge. At the end of the Second World War, additional honour roll tablets were added, to recognise service in that conflict. These tablets are located on the front face of the beam, and at the top of each arch pillar, above the First World War tablets. 

The memorial was built by Mr. G. Baker of Ganmain, NSW and the engraving was done by Mr. F. Lindley of Narandera, NSW. It was officially opened on 21 September 1934 by Mr. Redgrave, President of the Coolamon Shire. The Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser, 25 September 1934, described the memorial as follows:

The memorial is in the form of a brick fence about 115 feet along the frontage of the Mechanics' Institute Hall, and is surmounted with grille work. At the small entrance gate the pillars are of brick and are joined with a massive concrete flat arch, on which are the words in raised letters 'Memorial Gates.' The two sets of gates are the gift of Messrs. H. V. McKay. On each of the pillars is a granite tablet each bearing the names of 27 men who enlisted from Matong. The fence was erected by Mr. G. S. Baker, of Ganmain, who made a very good job of his contract.  

The memorial is located outside the Matong Mechanics Institute, on Crown Land. It was formerly managed by Trustees through the Crown Lands Department, but is now managed by the Coolamon Shire Council and Coolamon RSL sub-Branch. The gates donated by the McKay's are no longer on site. 

Inscription

Metal arch

Memorial Gates

Pediment

1934

First World War honour rolls

1914 1918

[Names]

Second World War honour rolls

[Names]

Veterans listed on this memorial

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Address
Matong Mechanics Institute
Canola Way
Matong NSW 2652
Local Government Area
Coolamon Shire
Location status
Original location
Memorial type
Gate/lychgate
Recorded by
David McCann, Coolamon RSL Sub Branch
Year of construction
1934
Dedication date
21 September 1934
Conflict/s
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Materials
Brick
Bronze
Concrete
Granite