The Evening Star TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1871.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2668, 5 September 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1871.

We are strange people in Dunedin : occasionally very exciteable, about matters of no moment, and usually very apathetic on subjects of importance. ¥or years past the pressing necessity for a new cemetery has been apparent to everyone who has thought on the subject and who knows the condition of the old one, Dor two years past, endeavors have been made to obtain an Act authorising the use of an excellent site on the North Dunedin Town Belt. Whether we have an idea that no opposition would be raised this session, or whether as a community we had altogether forgotten the matter, excepting by the Corporation no move in its favor lias been made. It may not perhaps be known by some that, in anticipation of

J obtaining the necessary powers, the ground has been fenced and a road to it constructed; and now it is threatened that this expense shall be thrown away, unless some pressure is brought I to bear upon the Legislature. The first note of opposition was sounded by Mr Stafford on general considerations He laid it down as a principle that cemeteries should be outside population. This would be very intelligible ground for rejecting tbe Bill liad it been proposed that the Octagon or the South or North Dunedin Recreation Ground should be converted into a cemetery. They are intended to act as lungs to the City, and to secure some open space where the pure air of Heaven can act beneficially upon the tainted atmosphere of the busy streets. But it is different with the Town Belt. Its very name points to the fact that here population must , pause. It may overleap the boundary —pass beyond it, but must not build upon the Belt Then comes the question, which, very properly, is most jealousy watched and discussed to what purposes is this Town Belt—the line that separates the City from the country beyond—to be devoted 1 On this point there is some confusion of thought. I Some men are sentimental about it, I and want to have it left in its primeval state of wilderness. Not a branch must be broken, nor a bush-lawyer removed, excepting to form a damp and often muddy winding path, with here and there a seat for meditation and rest. This they call enjoying the beauties of nature. Some ill-natured people would designate it breathing the odour of the dead and decaying vegetable matter: and taking into their homes the seeds of influenza and fever. We are by no means satisfied | that to this source of miasma we are not indebted for much of the sickness with which the town is occasionally visited. There are others legally sentimental ; and as soon as using any portion of the Town Belt is mooted, they are up in arms against the corruption of our City Council, and ready to do battle in favor of maintaining the property of the citizens intact. We sympathise with these Dunedin Hampdens much more than with the dreamers about unimproved wildernesses. But the opinions of those two classes of opponents must not be allowed to weigh against the necessities of the case. We were opposed to the attempt made some years ago to lease portions of the Belt to individuals, as being contrary to the end and purpose for which it was reserved. It was never intended for individual benefit, but for general utility. It might have been made a town common if proper steps had been taken, and we believe that was the original intention. The North Dunedin Cemetery is also of general utility. It is a necessity, and whatever objection, legal or sentimental, may be raised, the proposed site seems the only piece of ground available that meets the the case. Three main conditions should be kept in view in the choice of a cemetery. First, it should be a distance from centres of population. Secondly, it should be within a moderate journey from the town, so that the cost and fatigue of funerals may be as moderate as possible : and thirdly, the ground should be suitable for the purpose. The reasons for these conditions are too obvious to need explanation, although with regard to the first, the principal danger from cemeteries in cities lies in their being so crowded with dead, that every opening for a new grave liberates a quantity of noxious gases with which the ground is overcharged. The danger is more in the future than the present. Before it was determined to adopt the site of the North Dunedin Cemetery, offers were made for a piece of ground fulfilling the stated conditions, but it was not obtainable. This site not only fulfils them, but has the additional advantage of being so situated that every rise and fall of the tide washes away the drainage from it, and creates a current of wind that purifies the air. Nor need it be a gloomy spot, having no attractions. We are not likely to allow the resting place of loved and honored relatives and friends to be a locality to be j avoided. The feelings of the pilgrims ! to their shrines must be considered, and not shocked by appearance of neglect and disorder. It is intended to ornament and beautify it, and thus one step will be gained towards improvement of the Belt. The difficulty of taking this is no slight security that the remainder of the reserve shall remain intact. One would have thought that our central Parliament would have accepted the expression of opinion of the Corporation as conclusive, unless they imagine the citizens have interests differing from their representatives—which is absurd. It is not wise to multiply public meetings, or call them for trifling purposes; but as the old cemetery is rapidly becoming useless, if not dangerous, there should be an unmistakeable expression of opinion of the desirability of passing the Act. Perhaps a numerously-signed petition

would have the greater weight ; fo r then it is supposed to express men’ 3 well-considered convictions, uninfluenced by party oratory. We see no reason why a petition should not be adopted by the Corporation, and signed by the citizens, if there is time. If not, a meeting is the only mode ; but whatever is done should be done quickly, to insure passing the bill.