PUREWA CEMETERY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22538, 1 October 1936, Page 15

PUREWA CEMETERY

Sir, —The report that it was intended to run sheep in the burial area of the Purewa Cemetery was dismissed by most as a very unlikely happening. There is evidence of some such purpose in the drive leading to the cemetery by the erection of fences and tree guards, but it is causing some uneasiness to see such preparations being extended to the burial area by the erection of guards round trees and shrubs. I would urge the trustees to state the reason of this preparation so as to allay the disquiet being telt in the minds of many whose dear ones are lying in God's own acre. It would not require much imagination to visualise the desecration and damage to grass plots, flowers, glass emblems, newly-laid concrete, that would follow such a course of action, were it contemplated. In view of the preparation going on an early statement from the trustees of their intentions is looked for. C. A. French.

[The report that sheep are to be run in the burial area of the Purewa Cemetery is confirmed by the chairman of the sub-committee of the St. John's College Board which has charge of the cemetery. They are to be allowed in as the most practical way of keeping the grass down where it is impracticable to mow it on account of the uneven nature of the surface. The sheep will be removed from the area on Saturdays and Sundays, when the cemetery is most frequented by visitors. The area occupied by graves is over 20 acres, and it has been found impossible to mow it once a week, as would be necessary to keep it in order, both on account of the expense involved and the way in which the ground is intersected by graves and tombstones. Special guards are being put round those graven which are so cared for that sheep might do them injury, but many of the graves have long since ceased to receive any attention.]