HILL CEMETERY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 9, 19 September 1944, Page 5

HILL CEMETERY

UNAUTHORISED WORK CARRIED OUT

ACTION BY R.S.A

"During an inspection of this cemetery yesterday I was astounded to see that concrete kerbing of a portion of soldiers plots had been done, the work being undertaken without any reference to me. The concrete kerb is placed od levels that necessitate the repegging of tlie entire plot and involves consid-? erable further excavation with the ultimate removal of portion of the re - cently planted hedge and also fencc placed as it is would not, have re-* ceived my approval. lam under the impression that work at the cemetery is under the control of my department and that all matters relative thereto should at least be re* ferred to me. I respectfully seek enlightenment on these points—• ■ whether the work was sanctioned and by or whether it was carried out without the Council's approval." The above was an extract of the Foreman-Engineer's' report to the •Whakatane Borough Council last Monday evening. The, Mayor (Mr B. S. Barry) said that no permission had been given as far as he ;knew. The -whole cem-r etery he understood was under the control of the Council and any improvements had to be in conformity with the plan. Cr Warren: On whose authority did they enter the cemetery. The Mayor: Nobody's. We knew that the R.S.A. intended laying out soldier's but we never thought they would act without first consulting us. It was decided to write the R.S.A. pointing out the work involved as a result of the and Insisting that in future all work must be referred to the Council for ap-i proval.