River threatens grave

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33463, 19 February 1974, Page 5

River threatens grave

A grave marked by a headi stone and metal surround a : half-mile below the Glen Allan bridge on the south bank of the Waiau River contains the remains of J. W. A. Watse, who was surveying the Hanmer Springs area in 1862 when he was drowned while attempting to cross the river.

The , grave is now threatened by the river, which is cutting into the bank below the grave. Although the river seems: to be confirming the inscription on the headstone. "Man,; trust not in thine own; strength,” an attempt to let] Mr Watse’s remains rest in peace will be made by the Hanmer Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, which has applied to the Department of Health for permission to remove the grave to higher ground, at the Hanmer Springs Cemetery. Mrs M. Dynes, secretary of the association, has writtent to the Amuri County Council seeking a plot in the cemetery to which to shift ! the grave and any remains, as it is “in grave danger of ■ being washed away in the Inext flooding of the river.” However, the plot was not forthcoming from the council. The chairman (Mr A. A. Macfarlane), who has the ■ advantage of an extensive I local knowledge, was the

only council member who knew that Mr Watse, who was 32 when he was drowned, had descendants still living in North Canterbury, and insisted that they be notified before anything was done. In the meantime, it can only be hoped that the river will not decide to have its own way.