CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 228, 22 September 1873, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

*,* We are desirous of affording every reasonable facility for the discussion of public subjects; but it must be understood that we are in no way responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents. To the Editor of the Nelson Evening Mail. Sir— -I am glad to observe that you have taken up the subject of a mortuary chapel for the public cemetery, and I believe I am able to supply you with some information which may be of use. I have for some time felt along with you that the absence of a mortuary chapel in our cemetery was much to be deplored. So much was I impressed with this want that last year when in Wellington I procured a plan from "the Colonial Architect — not only an elevation, but working drawings and specifications. The plan is at the present time in my possession, and is entirely at the disposal of ary Committee or duly authorised body who will undertake its erection. I myself am prepared to give every assistance that I can, and am most anxious to see the thing done. But the cemetery is by "The Public Cemeteries Act " in thi charge of a Board of Trustees and it is only through that body, with their sanction and concurrence, that anything could properly be done in the direction contemplated. The 9th clause of the Public Cemeteries Act authorises the trustees to erect a Mortuary Chapel, and the 10th clause gives them power to borrow as much as £bOO for the expense of putting the cemetery in order. By the 18th and 19th clauses the Board are required to keep accurate accounts of their receipts and expenditure, and to forward in each month of July a balance sheet which is to be audited and published in the Government Gazette, No such balance sheet, lam sorry to say, has been pub • lished this last year, if indeed it has been published any former year, and though I have from time to time for the last six months urged individual mpmbers of the Board to have the balance sheet made out as required by law, the accounts, I am sorry to say, are not yet ready. I r.gret to be obliged to complain thus publicly of the action of the Board, but I have waited for many months. The accounts have been promised, and the promises have been as regularly unfulfilled, and I am bound to say that I think it is high time that the public should know how the case stands. In all other respects the condition of the cemetery is not creditable to the place. It ought to be the object of much more care than is bestowed upon it. The roads want la;ing out afresh, and a littlo judicious planting would add very much to the beauty of the spot. If anything is to be done in the direction of improvement it should be done soon, for every year that passes increases the difficulty of doing it. Your a, &c, D. Monro.