RONGOTEA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 116, 17 April 1939, Page 2

RONGOTEA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RONGOTEA, April 14,

At a meeting- of the Compbelltown (Rongolea) Cemetery Trustees, it was decided by a majority- vote to band the Trust to the Manawatu County Council. This was confirmed at the council meeting and the term of office for the trustees expired on March 31. The Trust was first brought into existence in 1885. When the town of Campbell was laid out, five acres of land were set apart for the purpose of a cemetery; this was covered with douse bush, which was felled, and logged up, a portion only being stumped at the time and sown in grass to be available when needed. Most of this preliminary clearing work was done by the voluntary labour of the early settlers. ’The first board consisted of Messrs V. (). Ransom (chairman), J. Costall. AV. I. Hunt, and J. R. Harper. They undertook a canvass of the district. and ns funds becamo available the area was fenced and divided, the portion used as a burying ground being sub-divided into plots, and allotted to the various religious bodies. The remaining two and a-lialf acres provided revenue by being let for grazing purposes. The graveyard is now almost fully occupied, there having been 434 interments during the 54 years since it was first used. Mr Ransom held office for 20 yearn, and was succeeded by Mr J. Penny, who held the combined offices of chairman and secretary for a lengthy period. The late Mr J. Simonsen was a member for 30 years, being secretary for part of the time. During the half-century of their existence successive boards have performed a splendid service; roads and paths have been laid down, shelter belts planted, and many and varied improvements made. But not being a rating body, they have been handicapped by a lack of funds, and with steadily rising costs, especially that of labour, the income has proved inadequate for maintaining the grounds in proper order, and so it was decided to hand over the responsibilities to the council. Those present at the final meeting of trustees were Messrs J. Glover (chairman). J. Gloyn. J. C. Glover (secretary), A. Simonson, J. Hill, and W. A. Davison. Tho following resolution was passed : “That the board place on record, and that it bo entered in the minutes, the long and faithful services rendered by the two elder members in Messrs J. Glover and J. Gloyn. Mr Glover had been a member for 35 years, and chairman for almost 30 years. During the first 15 years of service he also held the position of secretary. Mr Gloyn in his 22 years of service had always taken a keen interest and played his part -well.” It was felt that as this was the final mooting some appreciation should lie shown, and on the resolution being put to the meeting it ivas carried with a hearty unanimity. It was stated that these gentlemen had rai-elv missed a meeting. In a final eommont. by the chairman he conveyed his thanks to all members for help given. De lilierations around the table had been of a most harmonious nature and any difficulties had been satisfactorily settled. The cometery was a most difficult place to keep in order, the expense being greater than the publio might have imagined. lie regretted that they had to surrender their office. All trustees, past and present had (he satisfaction of knowing they had done their best, and (hey parted with mutual goodwill.