CONSUL'S GRAVE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 70, 24 March 1937, Page 6

CONSUL'S GRAVE

BADGE FOR HEADSTONE

After the funeral of the late Major Mario Dessaules, who "was ', Consul for Italy in New ' Zealand • until his death on October 29,-. last year, the Wellington : Returned Soldiers'- Association decided: to erect a headstone over his grave.in keeping with the:headstones over the other graves in the Soldiers' Cemetery, Karori. It was the intention of the association to mark' the headstone with the Italian national coat of arms, but as only regimental badges are permitted on' the headstones this could ;riot be done. Accordingly, the Internal Affairs Department was; asked to secure a copy of the appropriate badge so that the headstone could be prepared. The High Commissioner for New Zealand in London'was communicated' with, but so far the necessary information has not been received.

The secretary; of the association stated today that it was the intention "of his executive to erect the heddstone as soon as the ■ badge could be carved upon it, and an official of the Internal Affairs Department said that the badge should, arrive'in New Zealand."at any time. The High •' Commissioner had been communica:ted with shortly/after the funeral, but his office would Have to . refer the matter to the Imperial War. Graves Commission and that body would' have" to communicate, with its committee in. Italy.- Consequently the forwarding of; the badge would take some months. ■'.'.:-■ • • -.. ";■..,-

Major Dessaules was officer in charge of the 'machine-gun corps of the, Leonessa Infantry Division during the Great War,; and was buried\with full military: honours last year, prominent.military and civil persons, as well as ;nany' Italian residents of New. Zealarid;lat-teriding.-at.the graveside. '..:.. ;-..-:■ :.