GROWTH OF WEEDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22355, 28 February 1936, Page 14

GROWTH OF WEEDS

PUREWA CEMETERY SOME AREAS UNTIDY WELL-TENDED NEWER PORTION Complaints that woods have bren allowed to prow tinoheoked in Purewa Cemetery, and that the paths are in a neglected state, have been made lately by correspondents to the Herald. The contrary also has been asserted. A visit to the cemetery yesterday showed that weeds and tall grass flourish over a, large part of the 40 acres, encouraged no doubt by the abnormally wet summer. The newer part of the cemetery, however, was attractive in its neatness and well-cared-for appearance. Although the lower and older parts of the cemetery particularly presented a scone of rank growth rioting among the tombstones, the staif was engaged with scythes and grubbers in tidying paths and plots. About 12,000 persons are buried in the cemetery, and the work of keeping down grass and weeds is involved by reason of the narrow divisions between the numerous graves, entailing in places laborious work round copings and railings. Some of the asphalt paths between the plots carried a liberal growth of weeds, some young and some seeding, shooting up through cracks. Paspalum grass, thistles and periwinkle, as well as other common weeds, interfered with the visitor's progress, although not seriously. There were places where trailing weeds stretched unbroken right across a path and entered the tangle on the opposite side. It was impossible to proceed along some of the paths without being brushed by the seed pods" of tall grasses bending over from each side. After passing through some patches, sticky pods were loft on the clothing. This was not general. One of the paths leading through the older part of the cemetery was almost completely obstructed by several bushy young poplar growths, one of which was about Bft. tall. Near at hand a number of smaller growths stretched right across the path. This was unusual and was not a basis for estimating the condition of the rest of the cemetery, but, although it was in the older area, the path gave access to a number of graves only two or three years old. Close by was some new concrete work not yet out of its wooden frames. The grass edge to the main approach was neatly trimmed, and many of the intersecting paths were perfectly clear of weeds. The plots served by these paths were neat and orderly. One large area on the hillside, where the graves were newer, showed every evidence of careful tending, and made a pleasing picture in the summer sunlight.