The Manawatu Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 3,1877.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 39, 3 March 1877, Page 2

The Manawatu Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1877.

Fbequent allusion has been made m our columns to the state of the Cemetery Reserve m Palmerston, and many arguments have been adduced to show the necessity that exists for providing a large and increasing population with a proper place m which to inter their dead. As most of our readers are aware the Government have set apart a v.cry good site for a cemetery, and judging by the treatment of other localities m the matter of cemetery reserves, the setting aside of a piece of land for the purpose is all that the inhabitants of this township can reasonably expect at the hands of the Government. The possession of the land, however, is far from being all that is required. A certain area has now for some considerable time been vested m trustees for the use of the township, and the trustees have m a manner been compelled by force of circumstances to expend a sum of money for which they are collectively responsible m getting the standing bush upon it felled. So far so good, and there are doubtless some unreasonable enough to blame them for not having done more, but let such place themselves m the position of the gentlemen who hold this trust, and ask themselves if they would be willing to do more under the circumstances. It is not to be expected that a few private individuals will be willing to advance so large a sum, and without any guarantee of being recouped, as is necessary for placing the Palmerston cemetery reserve m a decent condition. We think the trustees are deserving of thanks for what they have already done, and it is now the duty of the inhabitants themselves, not only to recoup the trustees m the amount of their liability m connection with the reserve m question, but to provide such further sum as will defray the expenses consequent upon doing what is absolutely necessary to be done to make the reserve a fit burial place for a Christian people. There is a natural desire with most of us to place m the far distant future the day when we shall have more than a general or passing interest m the local resting-place of the dead, but if we take a calm and common sense view of the matter we cannot hide from ourselves that such a time will come sooner or later. Apart from this, there are few so altogether devoid of human sympathy as to contemplate unmoved what must be the feelings of those who have already, laid some loved one to rest m this wild which we designate a cemetery. In the midst of felled timber, open to every intrusion, and liable to be trampled upon by cattle, a few mounds have already been raised beneath which rest the remains of human beings whose memory is held dear by some. This is not as it should be m a civilized community. A burial ground is a necessity of our mortal nature, but it should be of such a character as

not to shock our sense of propriety. The eve should be able to rest upon it with pleasurable as well as melancholy feelings. There should be 1 nothing m its aspect to jar upon the finer sentiments of the heart. It should be m, appearance whatsit i§ m fact, a place of repose 1 for 'the mortal part of our nature ;7,a J plate favourable to reflection, and conducive to sympathy and tenderness towards our fellow-creatures. Now, with the site of our Palmerston cemetery we have no particular fault to find. If not all that could be desired, it is still capable of being made a really nice place. To accomplish this, however, as well as being a work of time, will necessitate a considerable outlay, and we are not so unreasonable as to urge the immediate expenditure of a large sum upon the work. But as we have before stated it is necessary for decency's sake to do something without delay. The fallen bush should at once be burned, and the ground enclosed with a substantial fence. Afterwards, and by degrees, walks might be made, trees might be planted around the boundary lines, and ornamental shrubs throughout the ground. We now leave the matter to the good sense of our fel-low-townsmen, feeling assured that when an appeal for the object set forth is made to them they will liberally respond. We are pleased to learn that a subscription list has already been opened at the Bank of Australasia, and we understand that m a few days it will be taken round our township by one of the trustees.