PLEA FOR CREMATORIUM

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 150, 29 June 1928, Page 11

PLEA FOR CREMATORIUM

MEETING IN-CHRISTCHURCH * (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) . CHBISTCHURCH, 28th June. A movement has been afoot for some weks for the establishment of a crematorium for Christchurch, and:point has been given to the agitation because of the necessity of .acquiring additional land for cemetery purposes. A meeting held a week ago was so poorly attended that it was postponed," and at another meeting to-night 50 persons attended. The Medical Officer of Health and other medical men, . some personally and some by letter, declared strongly in favour of a crematorium. The only clergyman present -was the Rev. Charles Perry, who declares .himself an Anglo-Catholic, and lie urged that even those who believed in the resurrection of the body need not for that reason oppose the crematorium, as there was no inherent difference' between the destruction of the physical body by burning,and dissolution by decay. -.. '■■ „ ..;...; •:':■...■;' .".: v ;:.'.'. . V : -: -* Medical-menvvpreseafepoLtitedibut the, dangers of:burial;:in:that ifc.-increased the risk of spread ■ of } virulent diseases, tho germs'of some of which might remain active in „the ground for ten years. Dr. Thacker . agreed that additional safeguards would havo to be provided in cases of cremation to ensure that' evidences of the crime of murder might not be destroyed. Mrs. Fraser, tho wife of an Anglican ;clergyman,;; also. ;favoured • a : crematoriunij and on: her moti6n-a resolution ■,was agreed:'to, urging the> City Council to favourably : consider, -the question of establishing a crematorium.