The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, January 11, 1916. THE OLD CEMETERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1495, 11 January 1916, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, January 11, 1916. THE OLD CEMETERY.

It is matter for regret that something is not done to acquire and beautify the old cemetery —the little hill site next the school and opposite the Triangle. The land is owned by certain Maoris, and according to custom is held sacred, or tapu. Beneath the horse-trampled and desecrated sod lies the bones of Maoris and pakehas, relatives of some of our best-known early settlers, and also the Maori chief, Ihakara, who rendered signal service to the Government and pakeha settlers in the troublesome early days. Not only that, but Foxton is indebted to Ihakara’s generosity. There is the old spot, neglected, abandoned, and forgotten, which, with a little public enthusiasm, could be converted into a restful beauty spot. We believe the Council did attempt to have the land transferred to the municipality, but no finality was reached. In conversation with the next of kin of Ihakara, who with a stroke of the pen could bring about the transfer, we were informed that if the pakehas would erect a monument to the memory of Ihakara on the spot, to which our informant would contribute, she would have no hesitation in dedicating the property to the municipality. We are of opinion that the public would willingly contribute to such object, and thus assist to not only perpetuate the memory of a noble Maori, but to beautify an historic piece of ground.