Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9032, 19 April 1888, Page 4

The residents of Onehunga have been the most fortunate of all in obtaining for their special use and benefit various valuable reserves. Their representative for many years, Sir G. M. O'Rorke, being shut out from many other lines of political activity, has ably devoted himself to this, and indeed at the last election his supporters put forward his success in obtaining pieces of ground as reserves for Onehunga as the chief reason for sending him back to the House. The latest discussion has arisen over a piece of ground, consisting of 47 acres, situated close to the harbour, and indeed actually within the borough of Onehunga. The history of the land may be briefly stated. It was acquired by the Provincial Government a good many years ago for the purpose ot having erected thereon slaughter-houses for the city of Auckland. Of course when the provinces were abolished the land became the property of the Government. Then commenced a struggle for possession. Sir Maurice O'Rorke made strenuous endeavours to secure it for Onehunga alone. In this he was opposed by several Auckland members, who thought that it ought to be devoted as an endowment of the Howe-street Orphan Home. This, however, was vigorously opposed by Sir G. M. O'Rorke. After a struggle, a clause was inserted in the Special Powers and Contracts Bill, empowering the Governor to issue a Crown grant "to the Mayor, Councillors, and burgesses of the Borough of Onehunga, in trust for the inhabitants of the Borough of Onehunga and the County of Eden of the land, containing 47 acres, and comprising lots 61, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48, adjacent to the Borough of Onehunga, for a rifle range, cemetery, and place of recreation, in such proportions as he may think fit, unless Parliament shall otherwise determine." The Cemeteries Act stops the use of the land as a burying ground, because no interments having taken place, a new cemetery cannot be opened within a borough. Last session Sir G. M. O'Rorke brought in a Bill, empowering the Borough Council of Onehunga to mortgage the rental of the 47 acres to raise money to purchase a cemetery for Onehunga. This was opposed by several members, on the ground that all the inhabitants of the County of Eden, who are about five to one to those of Onehunga, have an interest in the land, and eventually the Bill was thrown out. A conference took place at Onehunga a few days ago, at which the councillors were present, with the clergy, and also Sir G. M. O'Rorke. At that conference the Rev. Mr. Bavin made a somewhat extraordinary statement. He said : — "He might say that he had consulted with an Auckland legal gentleman (Mr. Button) on the question, and he had advised the Council to use the cemetery reserve. No one could interfere with them, or prosecute them besides Government. He would not like to advocate any breaking of the law, but there were very few ways out of the difficulty, and that was one of them." There surely must be some mistake here, although it is difficult to see how it has arisen. The Onehunga people simply cannot collar this ground for a cemetery for themselves, and commence interments there. The law seems plain against that, and if Mr. Button has advised Mr. Bavin, as alleged, then he has not informed himself on the subject. But Ssrhaps the mistake lies with the Rev. r. Bavin. However, we believe that all concerned in this valuable property are going to insist on having a say in the matter. We observe that a meeting of city and other members, the Mayors of Auckland, Onehunga, Newton, and Newmarket, and the chairmen of highway boards of the County of Eden is to be held at the City Council chambers on Friday at three p.m., when we understand this subject is to be brought up for discussion, If the benefit of the land is in any way to bo devoted to the establishment of a cemetery, we hope that it will be in such a situation as will make it available for the county, especially those parts on the eastern side of the city.