SUPPORTERS OF CREMATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16326, 5 September 1916, Page 9

SUPPORTERS OF CREMATION

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER.

LEGISLATION POSSIBLE.

A deputation from the Auckland Cremation Society waited upon the Minister for Internal Affairs, the Hon. G. W. Russell, yesterday, to express their appreciation of his efforts regarding cremation of the dead. The deputation was introduced by Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P.

In congratulating the Minister upon the attitude ho had taken up regarding cremation, Mr. R. R. Hunt, secretary of the society, reminded him that on two occasions the society had tried to get the City Council to move in the direction of erecting a crematorium, and had offered to fin J half tho money. The offers had been refused. It had also pointed out to the Onehunija Borough Council the danger of the Onehunga Springs beinc polluted by drainage from the Waikaraka cemetery. It had also pointed out that Purewa cemetery was rapidly being tilled, and had expressed tho view that land so near the city would be better utilised by the erection of dwellinghouses. Tho society was strongly of opinion that tho various local bodies should be compelled to erect a centrally situated crematorium for public use on the lines of the one at Wellington. He believed an arrangement could he made with the St. John's College Trust for tho use of a portion of its property for a crematorium.

Mr C. Hemus said he had approached all the doctors, and, with the exception of four, they were strongly in favour of cremation as against ordinary burial. The Hon. Geo. Fowlds said he was of opinion that cremation was the proper method of dealing with the dead. He expressed his willingness to financially assist anv local scheme.

In thanking the deputation for the work done by the society, the Minister said it was very gratifying to receive support in a movement of this kind. If legislation wer> passed as a result of the report he intended having prepared he would see that the bodies of all persons dying in public institutions were cremated. In view of the sentiment attaching to cemeteries, he thought it would be advisable to establish a crematorium in one of tho cemeteries.

Mr. Fowlds urged that a crematorium near the city would save time and expense, to which tho Minister replied that any crematorium erected should be near the city, and available for all surrounding districts.