CARING FOR GRAVES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 350, 10 May 1928, Page 13

CARING FOR GRAVES

WOMAN’S SELF-SACRIFICE MISS STATHAM RETIRES After 15 years as inspector of soldiers’ graves. Miss E. M. Statham is retiring from her official position, though she will continue part of her work, as a free agent. Sixteen years ago Captain Young, who now lies in the Purewa Cemetery, deplored, in the presence of Miss Statham the fact that the graves of Maori War veterans were sadly neglected, and it was this remark that influenced her. At first Miss Htatham worked in conjunction with the Victoria League, but. in 1912. the Government recognised the value of the work, and she came under the jurisdiction of the Department of Internal Affairs. In the latter stages of the war Miss Statham was able to collect information and photographs which she sent to those who were not able personally to care for the graves of their relatives. In addition to her main work this Indefatigable labourer was two years secretary of the Navy League, receiving the league’s special service decoration from London. Her work in connection with the women's branch of the Medical Service Corps of the National Reserve also received recognition. Mi. 66 Statham is the only member left of the committee that was instrumental in the foundation of the Girl Guide movement in the Dominion; she is still a member of the Dominion Executive. She has also worked for the Plunket Society (St. Hellers Bay) and the St. John Ambulance Society, in addition to being vice-president of the Dickens Fellowship.