GOD'S ACRE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4438, 10 June 1875, Page 2

GOD'S ACRE.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —When my friend dies I will fain have him laid on some "retired hillside, where the sweet green turf and the wild daisy may grow, nursed by the sunlight, and where the timid-footed lamb and its dam may visit my friend's memorial mound. And, sir, were you that friend I supposititiously allude to, you would agree with me now in the selection of such a resting-place—in preference to being laid at the last in the cemetery of our good City of Wellington. You spoke of the Church of England burial-place in your paper of Tuesday, the Bth instant, as being no ornament, &c. With your remarks all must, agree, save, perhaps, the trustees, the Messrs. Bannatyne and Barraud. However, that is their business, not mine. But to the other portion of the burial-ground, known as tho publio cemetery, your remarks were not directed. To this part of the yard you will ploaso to observe that some attention ought to bo given. Here, as in the other Instance, the trustees, and none else, are to be responsible. The names of the trustees for this portion wero, in tho year 1557, the Messrs. Lyon, Hart, Strang, Lewis, and Woodward. Of these, how many remain amongst us? And of-those who are still in Wellington, how often do they visit this melancholy scene of slovenliness and pitiable neglect ? I would respectfully suggest that when graves aro dug a strong wooden tray be laid on either side, so that the grave-digger may tidily place the loose earth on these, and when filling in, tho earth so secured may not be left lying hither and thither on tho surface, suggesting that the grave had been robbed of its contents, and that tho body-snatchers, in their haste, had not taken time to make up the grave. Also I would suggest that wido openings be immediately cleared through tho dense scrub so as to allow the sun to dry the surface of tho ground. Also, all rubbish, old bottles, tins, and dead wood to be removed. The graves of tho poor and of strangers are disgracefully neglected —some aro without the necessary depth of covering, and are known by unsightly holes and depressions. I would also suggest that the authorities of tho Botanical Gardens bo allowed, or be asked as a favor, to superintend the cutting down, &c, of shrubs; also tho removal of superfluous growths of every description, as ovontnally tho Botanical Gardens will necessarily annex this yard to their already oxtensive grounds. Those remarks and suggestions aro offered to those most concerned, with the best intention possible.—l am., &c, Ew. Wilson. [We agreo with our correspondent on every point save one, and that is in the choice of a final restingplace This is a grave subject, and we can't for the lifo of us see why he should moralise upon our probable death, of all other men. Being of a utilitarian spirit, wo should (a choice being allowed) prefer remaining above tho sod to going under it; but as that 1 is a matter on which our opinion will not be taken, we really don't care much whether the daisies bloom above our grave or not. Tho sooner one returns to one's original elements after death the better ; but as tho process of conversion to first principles is positively deleterious ito tho health and comfort of human beings in proximity to cemeteries, where it is ordinarily in progress, it is of tho utmost possible moment that burial-grounds should be far away from centres of population. While, however, wo continue to bury our dead in our midst, we should endeavor to prosorve tho appearance of decency In the places selected for interment. In this respect, the Wellington public cemetery is a disgrace to tho city. It is an unsightly public nuisance, and steps should bo taken to make it tho reverse—Ed. N.Z.T.]