BROCKENHURST CHURCHYARD.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 143, 18 June 1926, Page 13

BROCKENHURST CHURCHYARD.

"A PIECE OF NEW ZEALAND."

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

LONDON, May 3. ~

Mr. A. H. Heath, formerly of Christchurch, sends us the following note, which will interest those who have associations with Brockenhurst in the New Forest, where the No. 1 New Zealand Hospital was established during Lhe war: —

"On Easter Sunday it was my privilege once again to visit .the New Zealand corner of tlie Brockenhurst churchyard. At the time I felt greatly impressed with the general appearance of the plot, which showed much evidence of the loving care which has been bestowed on the graves of our comrades. A period of long years since the departure of the New Zealand forces has not disclosed any waning zeal in the faithful band of workers who perform the little tasks that relatives far oversea would, but cannot, perform. The corner is now completely grass covered, and has lost that newness formerly seen there. The kindly hand of time has mellowed the appearance of this 'piece of New Zealand.' During Eastertide special tokens of flowers, chiefly daffodils and primroses, were placed on the graves in liberal measure. These few lines will bring comfort to many in the assurance they bear that the restingp.ace of their loved ones is in the guardianship of never-tiring hands and neverforgetting hearts. We. must all feel extremely grateful to Mrs. Salwey, guardian of the New Zealand graves— •Mother' to our boys. In connection with the Easter work the name of Mrs. Alexander, of Boldra, well known to many New* Zealanders, should be coupled with that of Mrs. Salwey. On Anzac Day decorations of rosemary, narcissi, and wallflowers were placed on the graves. Some of the wal.flowers are from plants received by Mrs. Salwey froni New Zealand."