SOLDIERS’ GRAVES

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28182, 22 January 1957, Page 10

SOLDIERS’ GRAVES

CRITICISMS HELD UNFOUNDED

Criticisms made in the newspapers about the condition of the soldiers’ plots at the Ruru Lawn Cemetery were unfounded and the director of parks and reserves (Mr H. G. Gilpin) and his staff should be congratulated on the way they cared for the plots, said Mr D. Barrett at a meeting of the executive of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association last evening. “We should send a letter of appreciation to Mr Gilpin and his staff and the caretaker at the cemetery,’’ said Mr Barrett. Mr W. K. Lauchland said that he had recently inspected both the Bromley and the Ruru cemeteries and had found the plots in very good condition. Mr Barrett’s recommendation was adopted. Referring to the need for headstones at the cemeteries for members who had died leaving no relation and without making provision for headstones, MgjParrett suggested that Government assistance should be sought as the cost of erecting the headstones would be more than the branch could afford.

He estimated that to provide all the permanent headstones that were required at Bromley Cemetery alone would cost about £5OOO. He urged the association to do nothing further about obtaining temporary markers until the Government’s reaction to the provision of permanent headstones had been noted. “For persons who have died leaving no relatives I think we can reasonably request the Government to contribute towards permanent headstones,” said Mr Barrett. Membership Commenting on a membership drive to be conducted by the New’ Zealand Returned Services’ Association the president (Mr G. D. Hattaway) said that it was interesting to see that associations in Australia and Canada had similar membership problems to New Zealand. There was now a national drive to increase membership and the association was increasing again for the third year in succession. "What we have now in hand is the answer. Members appreciate the social amenities offered and the harmony of our meetings. We are setting an example for the sub-branches,” he said. The membership of the Christchurch association was reported to have increased bv 110 from March 31. 1956. to December 31. 1956, giving a total of 8284.