WAR GRATES.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1921, Page 3

WAR GRATES.

The recommendations of the N.Z.E. F War Graves Committee, the advisory body to tlie Government concerning burials in New Zealand, have been approved by the Government and the administration of the work has been entrusted to the Minister ,ior Internal Affairs (the lion. W. Downie Stewart). The Government undertakes for all time the care and maintenance of -war graves”, and will have them adorned with monuments that will fittingly honour the memory of the men and the ideals for which they died. In the treatment- oi graves no distinction heir ceil officers and the men is to la’ made. “War Gravies” alre deemed to be ,(1) Graves of soldiers who died while still serving. (2) Graves of members ot the New Zealand Expeditionary Force dvirm within twelve months from the date of discharge and whose deaths were due to disabilities contracted in or aggravated by war service. N (3) Those who die as the result of a war disability after having been continuously under treatment since discharge from the N. Z. it. F. The headstone approved by the Government is to be erected over each grave and on each will he inscribed the regimental number, name, rank and date of death together with the New Zealand emblem, the fern-leaf. The stones will be of New Zealand granite. measuring 2ft. Gin. in height, lit Jin. in breadth, and Bin. in thickness. The soldiers’ cemeteries will lie similar to those in France and Belgium. Two memorials, the “Great War Cross” (Qrosn of Sacrifice) and the “Great War Stone (Altar of unity) will he erected in all cemeteries containing not less than 50 war graves. In cemeteries where no special section has been set aside for soldiers’ burials permanent work will be carried out as circumstances permit. In the majority of cases the grave will be concreted, whereas in the soldiers’ cemeteries they will be turfed. As there are approximately I, ; >OD war graves in the Dominion the permanent work, including the cutting and erection of the headstones, may not be completed for three years. Meanwhile temporary crosses will be placed over all unmarked war graves. Four hundred graves have been marked in this way so far, and 150 will he erected at Featherston during the next fortnight. Other cemeteries will receive similar attention as early as possible. When < the permanent work is completed photographs of the graves will be sent to relatives.