THE DEAD PAST

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 301, 20 September 1928, Page 9

THE DEAD PAST

Sir, —What the Mayor and “I-LP.,’’ the writer of the letter, "The Dead Vast, ’ cannot understand is the afflatus of the question; all they appreciate is the sordid side—the outward semblance. In my former letter 1 claimed that the desecration arises from the absence of urgency. The present expansion of the city of M ellingtou generally has outstepped solid progress and reached a stage of sordid speculation, and the proposed encroachment on the Bolton Street Cemetery has neither, utility nor ornament to commend it. That cemetery has a recommendation equal to that of the fields of Flanders, and is well placed to become a place of rest in the heart of business activity and of native beauty in the midst of brick and mortar. Do any of those who hold God’s Acre so lightly ever read words like these and feel their warming solace?: — Of all the thoughts of God that are Borne inward into souls afar, Along the Psalmist's music deep. Now. tell me if there any is For gift or.grace surpassing this—“He giveth His beloved sleep.” Or — Alas! how oft I've lingered on my way. To raise, in some loved spot, a blissful bower, And trained each plant, and cherished every flower. As I were not “The Pilgrim of a day.” ' —I am. etc., HENRY BODLEY. Wellington, September 1-1.