SOLDIERS’ GRAVES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 15594, 10 August 1921, Page 9

SOLDIERS’ GRAVES.

I'H E G 0 VEHNM ENTS SUGGESTIOX

The following letter from the Year Graves Division of the Department of Internal Affairs was read at last night's meeting of the Borough Council -

“In connection with the treatment of military cemeteries in New Zealand, 1 desire to inform you that the Government lias adopted the policy of the Imperial War Graves Commission, which organisation has been entrusted with the taro ol' and maintenance of our war graves overseas). HeadstoneS of a uniform design similar to I hose being placed over the graves in France, Belgium, and (he United Kingdom are to be enacted, the rows kerhed and turfed, and in soldiers’ cemeteries in which there are not less than 50 war graves, two memorials, the Cross of Sacrifice and the Altar of Duty, are to be erected. War graves are deemed iu be (1)- graves of soldiers who died while still serving ; (2) graves of members of the New Zca- j land Expeditionary Force dying within 12 months from the date of discharge, and whose deaths were due to disabilities contracted in. or aggravated by; active service. (3) graves of soldiers who. 1 as the result of disabilities contract' 1 If in or aggravated by war service, die later titan 12 months; after discharge, hut who have been continuously under treatment for such disabilities since (lie date of discharge, from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to date of death. From this it will be seen that the only graves that, can receive treatment by the Government are those coming within the above definition and if burials of exsoldiers whose graves are not deemed to he war graves are permitted in soldiers' cemeteries. I lie uniformity so very much desired will he- lost. At a meeting of (lie New Zealand Expeditionary Force War Graves Committee lo le held in August this question is to he considered and discussed, and so that I may he able to give the committee the fullest information 1 would like the Council to let me know what the present position is regarding the burials carried out in tho Ta.rulieru cemetery. Also would your Council agree to all future burials in the soldiers portion being confined to those coining within the meaning of war graves, all applications tiring referred to the officer in charge of the local Defence Office for decision?— J. Hislop. Under-Secretary tor Internal Affairs.’’ The Mayor, in moving that tho matter be referred to the Cook County Council, said that that Council was the controlling’ body. Cr. Coleman seconded the. motion, which was carried.