SOLDIERS’ GRAVES

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1932, Page 5

SOLDIERS’ GRAVES

WARNING ISSUED

REMITTANCE OF MONEY.

(United Press Association—By Electrio

Telegraph—Copyright)

AVELLINGTON, December 23.

A warning of tile next-of-kin of soldiers burieu in France and Belgium against sending money .overseas in response to circulars from firms offering to supply rolls of honour and also to place wreaths on soldier’s grave-s lias been issued by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. A. Hamilton). “All -next-of-kin of New Zealand soldiers buried abroad,” said Mar Hamilton, “have been supplied by the Government with -photographs of the headstones or memorials on which the names of the deceased have -been engraved, and of the cemeteries where the .’burials have taken place. The next-of-kin have also had the opportunity of obtaining copies l of the Imperial War Graves Commission’s printed Cemetery Registers where the names and brief regimental and family , particulars of th© deceased soldiers are recorded. Consequently, it- is felt that the next-of-kin will not wish in addition to subscribe to an unofficial roll of honour.

“As to remitting money to these overseas firms for the purchase of wreaths to be placed on the graves, the relatives have no means of knowing that what is promised is faithfully carried out.

‘The only certain method of ensuring that money remitted is actually used for the purpose intended is to- send it t-o the High Commissioner for New Zealand, 415, Strand, London, W.C.2, with a letter giving full particulars of the grave on which it is desired the wreath should be placed.