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Manawatu Herald, 13 June 1895, Page 3

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MANAWATO HERALD

Sir, — Will you allow me a small space in your valuable paper regarding the work done lately in the Foxton Cemetery. I am personally acquainted with the party who with two others carried the work through successfully and he now informs me that through the burning of a few graves which accidentally caught fire whilst he and his mates were away the Council actually refuse to pay him the paltry amount for the work done, viz., £6 ss.

Sir, I have had a lot of experience in cleaning cemeteries for different Councils and never heard of such a lame excuse before. I consider they gave the Council a splendid job which I'm quite confident couldn't have been done for less than £18. What with windy days and rainy weather he tells me it took fully two months to accomplish, and during all that time he had to keep his two mates in board and lodgings which including himself he reckons cost him 10 shillings per week. This alone amounted to £6 and all that is left for the two months work is ss, it did not keep them in tobacoo. Sir, I am perfectly well aware that things are not very brisk at present and I am very glad to inform your readers that a subscription list will soon be opened to endeavour to raise the amount £Q 53. I, myself will be only too glad to contribute something towards it and there's not the Blighest doubt that others (who possess graves in the cemetery which have all been cleaned thoroughly by the said parties at a great loss of time and tedious labour) would gladly contribute towards it. I hear a lot of the townspeople are sympathising with them and if the Council are so hard-hearted — I consider this to be the best means of sattling it satisfactorily to one and all. Trusting, Sir, I have not taken up too much space in your valuable paper. I am, etc.,

Jas. K. Rushton.

[Note. — There are two sides to every question, and we do not think, if all the facts were known, the contractor was hardly dealt with. Ed. M.H.]