Sect burial discussed

Press, 28 October 1977, Page 1

Sect burial discussed

Nelson reporter The Motueka Borough Council will seek a ruling from the Internal Affairs Department on whether it is permissible for persons other than a sexton to “inter a body.’ ’ This decision was reached by the council in committee and released later to the news media. Discussion on the subject was related to incidents that occurred at the Motueka Cemetery earlier this month when the Exclusive Brethren sect buried one of its members. Some of the dead man’s family were initially excluded from taking part in the graveside service until long negotiations were completed and a deputation waited on the Town Clerk (Mr J. A. Bogers) seeking permission to fill in the grave. The matter was referred to in the monthly report of the borough foreman (Mr E. Newport). Two letters were also received.

The Mayor of Motueka (Mr R. A. McLennan)

asked that the matter be dealt with in committee on the ground that “publicity at this stage is not in the public interest.” Mr Bogers said yesterday that one of the letters, from the Hall Trust (Exclusive Brethren) sought council permission to carry out future burials by interring the body themselves.

The second letter was from a man who attended the funeral. He asked that the council, if it gave such permission in future, should make it conditional on other mourners being given an opportunity to have a service at the graveside before the grave is filled in. The relevant clause in the Burial and Cremation Act relating to interment was held to be open to interpretation and so the council decided to seek a ruling from the Internal Affairs Department. In the meantime, Mr Bogers was authorised to make any decisions on subsequent sect burials until such time as a ruling was received.