THE TERRACE END MEETING.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 52, 28 June 1879, Page 2

THE TERRACE END MEETING.

On Thursday evening the residents of Terrace End assembled in the Public Hall to take some steps with regard to the Cemetery. Mr. Coleman was voted to the chair, and explained what had been done at the meeting held on the previous evening at the other end of the town. Mr. Roberts said he had not been at the meeting alluded to, but although some persons were under the impression that the Cemetery Committee had satisfactorily performed its functions, he regretted to say he could not endorse the remarks. The graves had been dug pell-mell and not the slightest regard had been paid to the laying off all paths. It was all very well to hand about subscription lists, but people did not like them. He had a proposition to submit which he thought would be an improvement upon that course. He had drawn up a plan of the Cemetery which if adopted would place funds at the disposal of the committee. This was by portioning out the grounds and disposing of them to the settlers, for he was convinced people would be only too anxious to secure a last restingplace which they could consider their own. a certain price could be placed upon the single graves, also upon the double, while the terrace could be devoted to vaults— Mr. Dungan was compelled to interrupt Mr. Roberts, who he thought was travelling a little away from the subject. For that gentleman's edification he might inform him that judicious as no doubt all his suggestions were, unfortunately they were somewhat premature, inasmuch as until certain conditions had been complied with no fees could be charged, and to carry out the conditions they should be first relieved of the pecieniary liability with which they were burdened. The state of affairs were simply this: There was an overdraft of £62 due to the bank. That should be

wiped out before any thing at all could be done. The next step was to get the gronnd stumped and cleared, and then have it surveyed and a plan forwarded to the Government for approval ; after which the course advised by Mr Roberts might be adopted, but until that time the trustees were debarred by the Act from imposing any fee whatever. With regard to the futility of subscription lists, he thought he need say little and only direct attention to the list opened for the Cemetery. It had now nearly £40 upon it, and that was perhaps the best answer which could be given. Mr. Linton was surprised at Mr. Roberts attending the mee ing to sneer at what the trustees had done in the past, instead of aiding to get them out of the difficulty. Had Mr. Roberts been long enough in the district he might not have been so ready to criticise and condemn. He would have known that when the piece of ground had been granted by the Government it was a dense bush ; since then it han been felled and fenced and although its present appearance might not be thought very imposing, they would be surprised to learn that fully £140 had been expended upon it However, notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Roberts had been the first to raise an objection, he believed he would be the first to put his name on the list. Mr Mackie would wish to know if there could not be some tax, imposed, similar to the Library rate. He thought by that means the burden would be borne equally by all. Mr. Linton could not agree with Mr. Mackie, that that would be the best method of equalising the burden, but' even if it were it was impracticable for the simple reason that the Act did no allow of it. Mr. Mackie said that in that case, it were useless to discuss it, but he was very much afraid that they never would obtain sufficient funds to carry out the necessary work. The Rev. Mr. Dewsbury could not see why Mr. Mackie should take such a grave view of the future. They did not expect to get thousands, nor did they want to make the grounds equal to those in large cities. He thought the subscription list on the table should give denial to the statement that it would be a failure. The Chairman again at considerable length explained to the meeting what was wanted, and called upon every one present to show their interest in the object by attaching their signatures. Mr. Marsh said he thought it was about time he said a few words on the matter. He then strongly urged upon all present to contribute something. Those who could not give money, could easily give a day, or two or three days' labor. Mr. Mackie moved, and Mr. Linton seconded—" That this meeting would respectfully ask the Ministers of the various denominations to set apart a special service at which collections should be made toward the Cemetery Fund." Carried unanimously.„ Moved by the Rev. Mr. Dewsbury and seconded by Mr. Jenssen— " That this meeting heartily approves of the action taken by the meeting at the other end of the town, and endorses the appointment of a sub-committee." Carried. Moved by Mr. Hoe, seconded by Mr. Marsh— "That this meeting accepts with pleasure the generous offer of Mr. Graff to present the subscription-list Co the various Scandinavian and German settlers, and to interpret its contents to them," Carried. Mr Jensssn said that after what had been said about the trustees, he would like to propose a vote of thanks to them, as he they had executed their trust in a very faithful manner. Mr. Mackie seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Linton, as the only trustee-present, in acknowledging the compliment, was sorry that some of his collfagues were not present. He was aware that Mr. Snelson was otherwise engaged in his official position as a member of the Education Board, but he certainly was surprised it the absence of Mr. Dalrymple. „ Mr. Marsh said he begged to apologise for the absence of that gentleman, who as people knew, lived some considerable dis-' -tance from town. Before the meeting separated, Mr. Dungan said he would ask all present to join with him in according a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Deards for his generous use of the Hall, that gentleman having granted it without a moments hesitation. When it would be remembered that the that some little expense and no in considerable trouble had to be incurred to arrange the Hall, he thought Mr. Deards' liberality was entitled to hearty appreciation. The Rev Mr, Dewsbury said it gave him sincere pleasure to second the proposition, the more so for the reason that it was not the first time Mr Deards' liberality had been brought prominently under his notice. The vote of thanks was given by acclamation, and a similar courtesy to the Chair brought the meeting to a close.