AN ANCIENT PRACTICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 May 1942, Page 4

AN ANCIENT PRACTICE

CREMATION OF THE DEAD. ROTARY CLUp ADDRESS. An address on cremation was given at today’s luncheon of the Masterton Rotary Club by Mr H. W. Lindsey. The president, Mr Norman Lee, presided. The disposal of the dead by cremation, said Mr Lindsey, dated back to the dawn of civilisation. Early practice consisted of the method known as the funeral pyre. Present day methods of cremation were devised by an Italian scientist in 1869. The first crematorium in the southern hemisphere was that established in Wellington. In many instances crematoriums were operated by municipalities, though some were privately owned, that in Christchurch being the' only one so owned in New Zealand. Cremation was hygienic and the erection and upkeep of memorials was obviated. Both cemeteries and crematoriums should be well situated and capable of being laid out to give a park-like appearance. Too often, said Mr Lindsey, these areas did not appear to be carefully planned and often otherwise waste land was used, which was a distinct lack of respect to the dead. Mr Lindsey went on to refer to different methods of operating crematoriums and to the disposal of the ashes. Articles were read giving an outline of the history of cremation and of the beauties of the Forest Lawn Cemetery or Memorial Park, California. The picturesque churches, magnificent statuary, trees, flowers and lawns of this cemetery were created not only as a lasting memorial to those who had passed on but as a source of quiet comfort and helpfulness to those who remained. There were no tombstones. On the motion of Mr F. M. Whyte, Mr Lindsey was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address.