Memorial park idea supported

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 673, 11 February 1997, Page 5

Memorial park idea supported

Aseparate memo rial park section of the Raetihi cemetery should be established for people who don't want to be tied to the rules governing the lawn cemetery. That is the recommendation to the Ruapehu District

Council from the Waimarino Community Board, from their meeting last Thursday. Setting aside a memorial park area has been suggested as a long term solution to the problem of people adorning graves in contravention of the by-laws

governing the lawn cemetery. Member Bob Peck told the board there were eight graves that had been adorned with paving stones and scoria as well as plants, extending into the lawn area. As well as setting aside the memorial park, where people would be free to adorn their loved one's graves with statuary and plantings etc., Mr Peck moved that representatives

of the board and council meet with family members of graves concerned at the cemetery to discuss the issues and explain the council' s view. Mr Peck asked if the council lawn cemetery bylaws were explained to people at the time of a burial, other than through the sign at the entrance. Council chief executive officer Cliff Houston said the bulk of burial warrants were issued to funeral di-

rectors who were well aware of the by-laws. Adornments on lawn cemetery graves are not allowed because they destroy the uniformity of the cemetery and cause problems for maintenance which increases costs. However, Mr Houston said the council should make provision in another part of the cemetery for people who wish to grieve for their loved ones in a different way.