K. L. STEVENSON’S GRAVE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22304, 19 January 1938, Page 8

K. L. STEVENSON’S GRAVE

* CHARGES OF NEGLECT DOMINION’S ADMINISTRATION OF SAMOA I (FROM OUR OWM CORRESPOKDESI.) LONDON, December 29. Complaints that the grave of Robert Louis Stevenson on the summit of Mount Vaea, Samoa, has been seriously neglected during the period of New Zealand administration, are reported in the “Sunday Times” by its Sydney correspondent. It is stated that visitors have commented on its condition to-day compared with when Germany was in control, and that efforts are being made to interest the New Zealand Government in its responsibilities. “Apart from the neglected state of the tomb, vandals have not been prevented from scratching their names on it, and some have even gone to the extent of removing chunks, of the.concrete slab which covers the grave,” the article adds. “There have been many previous complaints concerning New Zealand’s lack of interest in the great writer’s resting place. The last followed the report of Captain Rignell, of the Swedish motor-ship, Tolken, made early this year. As a result of that report, representations were made to the New Zealand Government by the Robert Louis Stevenson Club in Edinburgh, but travellers report that little has been done other than a formal acknowledgement of the complaint by the Administration of Western Samoa, and a statement that it is extremely difficult to stop vandalism. “Various suggestions have been advanced for the preservation of the tomb, one of which is the appointment of a curator who would be responsible for its care and maintenance and the prevention of vandalism. The cost would not be nrohibitive. Cost is not the main factor, as many private offers of financial support have been made, and more than one person has volunteered the whole cost of the restoration of the grave. “The approach is by a beautiful bridle path through quick-growing tropical undergrowth, which at times becomes almost impassable. The Administration has, however, provided the labour to keep the path clear during recent months.”