THE CEMETERY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5482, 2 October 1929, Page 2

THE CEMETERY.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Weeks have elapsed since attention was called to the shocking state of the local cemetery, and, so far, nothing has been done by the civic authorities towards having a palpable wrong rectified. The dead cannot attend to their surroundings : that is left to the piety of the living. Nobody understands more clearly than I do that the local cemetery is vested in the Ohinemuri County Council ; but the point I want to make is that whilst the major number of people buried in the local graveyard hail from Paeroa, the local authorities, now that they have been taxed with the sin of utter and lamentable indifference, are thoroughly hardened in their callous determination to “sit tight” and pursue a policy of “do nothing.” I thank Mr Taylor for his solitary support on the question in hand, but reluctantly must comment upon a difficulty raised by him, namely, that moneys contributed for a specific purpose cannot be diverted. That is perfectly true in law. But will someone kindly inform me if the recently conducted queen carnival was held specifically for the purpose of repairing Old Te Aroha Road ? Was the Old Te Aroha Road ever mentioned in connection with the venture ? Is it not true that the specific objects sponsored were the cenotaph and (as an afterthought) the erection of a ladies’ rest-room ? The point is that, apparently, in official eyes, first things come last. A considerable time ago a promise was given that the cemetery would be given some consideration. Time has slipped by and nothing has been done. In the-meantime much has been achieved in the direction of improving, or mutilating, Primrose Hill, according to the angle from which you view that prominent landmark. The Old Te Aroha Road is honoured by the expenditure of hundreds of pounds, whilst the cemetery with its teeming population of dead is not considered worthy of the calling of a meeting to discuss ways and means to remove at once, and for all time, the reproach that it stands to the people of Paeroa, who boast that they are Christian and proud. Whilst the motor track is being cut and concrete blocks assembled to result, ultimately, in something approaching the stately magnificence of “Heart of Empire” memorials, the cemetery on the adjacent hill goes grimly on, weaving from fern, blackberry, and such rubbish a wreath worthy, think you, of the parents and relatives and friends of those who on the day when, amidst studied pomp, the cenotaph is being uncovered, will pride themselves upon their filial respect and their reverence for their dead. JOHN T. TAYLOR, St. Mary’s Presbytery. Paeroa, September 28, 1929.