Sprucing up a cemetery

Press, 11 May 1977, Page 10

Sprucing up a cemetery

By

STAN DARLING

A man drowned crossing the Rakaia River in the 1860 s now rests beside a far more peaceful stream.

He is one of the Canterbury pioneers buried in the Barbadoes Street cemetery, where the Avon River loops by on one side.

If one proposal for the historic area’s future is accepted, the cemetery could become even more peaceful. The Director of Parks and Recreation (Mr H. G. Gilpin) has told councillors he would like to see the cemetery stretch of Cambridge Terrace closed to cars some day, so that the proposed cemetery park could slope all the way to the river. Cul-de-sacs at either end of the stopped street could be used for visitor parking. The view from the cemetery offers one of the prettiest river vistas in Christchurch. Inside the cemetery, even though the grass is cut, things are not quite so pretty. Graves have stood up under the ravages of time, but they have not fared so well under the ravages of people. Mindless vandalism has hit here as much as any place else in the city. Clean-up work parties have done the best they can by propping up pieces of headstones, but they have no control over what happens when they leave. Paint is splattered over some headstones, others lean precariously, and remains of picnics — including shattered beer bottles — lie in places. Although it was earlier suggested that public housing might be built on part of a closed cemetery west of Barbadoes Street, that is not being consid-

ered now. There were strong doubts that the Government would have allowed that, anyway, and there was immediate public reaction against the suggestion. The city’s first burial ground, the cemetery was included in the 1850 town plan. It was divided into Anglican, Roman Catholic and Methodist sections. If the Minister of Health allows it to be closed, two major restoration changes would take place. A Court of Memories, perhaps a brick panel under a colonial-style roof, would contain names of all those persons buried at the site. Some type of fountain, paving and seating could be placed nearby. A garden of biblical plants — which would be unique to New Zealand —- could also be formed near the Court of Memories. "This is something I’ve had in my mind for years,” Mr Gilpin said. He had never seen anything similar in his travels.

Historically - significant headstones in good condition would be left where they are, but damaged ones could be removed to make more open space. Among those buried in the cemetery are Bishop Harper, the first Bishop of the Christchurch diocese, and the Rev. James Buller, a pioneer Methodist missionary who arrived in Hokianga in 1836. Early city councillors and six mayors of the 1800 s are in the cemetery, along with Inspector Peter Pender, the province’s pioneer police officer.

Also buried at the site are the first Chancellor of the University of New Zealand, Mr H. J. Tancred, and Mr Felix Wakefield, a pioneer surveyor and brother of Edward Gibbon Wakefield.

According to a report of the special committee formed in November to consider the cemetery’s future, the Barbadoes Street site contains “a potted history of the city and the province which has an educational potential of great merit.” Many of the cemetery’s trees are more than 100 years old. The committee said low, swampy areas of the cemetery should be filled, and given proper drainage tiles, as soon as possible. A recent survey of headstones showed some 500 were undamaged; 11 were smashed beyond repair, and 76 were damaged extensively. The committee realised that complete restoration would be a long and expensive job, but they suggested that descendants be given the chance to help pay for restoration or realignment of the markers. “The whole of the cemetery areas on both sides of ’ Barbadoes Street present an unkempt and unloved appearance greatly at variance with our vaunted Garden City image,” the report said. Very early graves in the Anglican section between Barbadoes Street and Cambridge Terrace should be kept intact, the committee added, with gravel paths between them. In other areas, some headstones could be realigned to make mowing easier, and new trees could be planted. Also, the concrete surroundings of many graves could be removed for easier maintenance.

The cost of all renovation work has not been estimated, but committee members have offered to make contributions. They include the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (up to $500). the Canterbury Pilgrims’ and Early Settlers’ Association (up to $100) and the Geneological Society’s Canterbury branch (up to $100).

Local churches and other groups have also said they are willing to contribute money. In addition, the committee is organising working parties to clear weeds and tangled vegetation clogging graves and pathways.