STEVENSON'S GRAVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 16

STEVENSON'S GRAVE

COMPLAINTS OF NEGLECT COMMENT BY MR. 0. F. NELSON [nr TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WELLINGTON, Friday, Complaints that the grave of Robert Louis Stevenson, on the summit of Mount Yaea, Samoa, has been seriously neglected during the period of the New Zealand administration, were referred to-day to Mr. 0. F. Nelson, of Apia, who is in Wellington with the Samoan delegation. Mr. Nelson said that ho himself had never visited Stevenson's tomb, but from what he knew, it was much better cared for during the German administration. An article published in the Sunday Times, London, last month,. stated that visitors had commented on the condition of the grave to-day compared with when Germany was in control, and that efforts were being made to interest the New Zealand Government in its responsibilities. Asked for his opinion upon the suggestion in the Sunday Times article that a curator should be appointed to care for the tomb and prevent vandalism, Mr. Nelson said that the cost would be fairly great. The grave was situated on the summit of the mountain and food for the curator would have to be carried up the hillside through heavy tropical undergrowth. "Jt is sad to think that anyone should commit vandalism at such a sacred place;" added Mr. Nelson. "The practice unfortunately exists and is difficult to prevent."