LAWN CEMETERY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 138, 23 March 1948, Page 2

LAWN CEMETERY

& Proposal for Ashburton

DECISION OF COUNCIL The Ashburton Borough Council last night authorised the Cemetery CommiiTee to carry out proposals for the formation of the additional block of cemetery reserves into a lawn cemetery. The subject was introduced bv Cr 11. G. Ferrier who proposed that the block of 40 acres of cemetery* reserves between the present cemetery and the glassworks lie cleared ploughed and sown in grass, and portion of it made into a lawn cemetery. He suggested that 20 acres could be made into a, lawn cemetery, trees planted and other amenities provided as required. He advocated pulling down the dilapidated old tin fence between the block and the present cemetery, and the planting of a double row of trees to take its place. Grass could be soAvn right over the area Including the graves Avhen the earth had subsided, said Cr. Ferrier The general idea was that no kerbmg would bo allowed round the giaves, no paths Avould be necessai’A’, and plaques instead of headstones lie used Ii headstones Avere used thev could be made to conform with a maximum size allowed. If this general lay-out were adhered to, the entire area could be mowed, and the cost of maintenance reduced considerably.

Ci. Feirier said that the laAvn cemetery Avhen ready for use, could be opened in lots of five acres, as required He had recently attended a funeral m Christchurch at a lawn cemetery there, and had been impressed with the idea. At this cemetery the graves were placed alongside each other regardless of religion. Roman Catholics. Avho had a specially consecrated piece of ground, were the only exception to this rule. The setting aside of plots was not permitted, and the cemetery greAv * alon" planned lines. ' 0

His main reason for suggestin' 7 the lawn cemetery, said Cr. Ferrier was to relieve pressure on the present cemetery. At the present rate of progress the cemetery Avould be closed in 15 years. With the added provision of a lawn cemetery, the present cemetery would fill useful purposes for 40 or 50 years.

The council discussed Cr. Ferrier’s proposals and then passed his motion unanimously.