OUR CEMETERY.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 79, 2 December 1864, Page 3

OUR CEMETERY.

TO THE KDITOB OP THE SOUTHLAND TIMES. Sib, — I attended the funeral of a friend's child this afternoon, and a more disgraceful scene I never beheld, on arrival at the burial ground. When the funeral party reached the Cemetery, it ■was found that the grave -was not more than three feet deep, and on mentioning the fact to the grave-digger, he attempted to dig it deeper, but he was in such a helpless state of intoxication that he could neither work, nor get out of the grave. It resolved to this — that myself and friend had actually to drag him out of the grave, put the coffln, and fill in the grave ourselves. = I am informed.tnat this is not the first instance where the relations and friends of deceased have met with the same treatment. 3 Who is paid to look after these matters ? The same scene that has happened to-day, may happen again, at the burial of our nearest and dearest. I trust, Mr. Editor, that; you will exercise your A power, and do at least something towards ; re- , moving this scandal and disgrace from the Inyercargill people.. -The amount;-, paid for the burial of this child was £3 16s., fand surely -that was; enough in j this Mamnion age to ensure; — if., not, respect- at least common decency. r , Whatthe feelings were of the parents of the child thus consigned to its last bed in, this unnatural way, I leave every father and mother in tnvercargill to imagine. : ..^ - -„'■■ ■,-,..: -. -■-.< .«'• > I enclose my name and address should any enquiry be made on the subject. Ist Docembor, 1864. ' ■?:, V: ,-\; .' :'a .. ... \.- • ,.