“GOD’S ACRE.”

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 11, 23 May 1911, Page 3

“GOD’S ACRE.”

TO THE EDITOR.

SIR,—“ Domem’s ” letter in the Waipa Post of 19th instj is but another reminder of our placid somnolence, our easy-going—and, consequently, harder to combat — indifference. To what, and where, are we drifting when the condition of' the sacred restingplace of our dear dead no longer concerns us, and it is left to become a wilderness ? Possibly the one plot so dear to us is well tended, but has our duty ended there ? Have we not, as citizens, a wider concern ? It is said, and with much truth, that the mind and mood of any^community may be gaugedjby the condition of its cemetery. God forbid that either of ours may be allowed to longer remain as they have been. It is indisputably admitted that there is no such insidious thing, no canker in any community so deadly, as good-natured indifference. Our beautifully-situated and (by Nature) gloriously-en-dowed township and district are examples. -- Fortunately we are beginning to admit this. “Domem’s ’’ letter is a sign of the times. “Domen” desires, to “ draw the attention of those in charge of ‘ God’s acre,’ ” but while Welcoming the broaching of this subject by “ Domem,” backed by the thing that counts —material help —which proves that “Domem ” is made of the right stuff —I respectfully submit that “ those in charge ” are entitled more to sympathy than censure. Is not the proper keeping of this city of the dead rather the concern of the community generally than of the institution in particular which has graciously opened the gates of its sacred ground to all and sundry, regardless of creed or colour. It has been open to us all, and we non-Anglicans have thanklessly availed ourselves of the privilege and as thoughtlessly forgotten our duty to ourselves and our dead. No, Sir, I am not an Anglican, nor have I a plot in this buryingground, but I hold myself equally blameable with every other resident of Te Awamutu while I hold my peace in this matter, which reflects on us all. True it is, that the resting-place of the dead is a reflex of the mind and mood of the living. May I suggest that you open a list for subscriptions towards this very necessary work which is undoubtedly the work and concern of every decent citizen, and that lists be placed on the counters of the Bank of New Zealand and Post Office. I enclose my mite. —I am. etc.,

SILICUS. [We will be pleased to receive subscriptions for this very worthy object. There is a good deal in our correspondent’s contention. The cemetery, thanks to the Anglican Church, has become practically a public one, and its upkeep should be some concern not only of those who have relatives buried there, but of those who may yet have. —Ed. W.P.]