SOLDIERS’ GRAVES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 112, 3 July 1911, Page 7

SOLDIERS’ GRAVES.

the waihi cemetery. , The Normanby correspondent of the Hawera “Star” writes as follows: Readers of the “Star” will no doubt remember that for some time past the .Normanby Town Board, who are trustees for the Waihi cemetery have repeatedly’ urged upon the Government the urgent necessity of doing something to the dilapidated fence and headstone or rather head board that mark the last resting place of those brave men who gave their lives in defence of their fellow settlers .dining the native disturbances over 40 years ago. A large amount of correspondence took place between the Board and the Government officials', with little or no result, and at last tiie Board becoming disgusted at the want of sympathy shown decided >a‘s a final resource to request Mr John Finlay to act as, their delegate when in Wellington td 'wait on the Defence Minister and urge their claim. This Mr Finlay consented to do and, having completed Ids mission, has now pent in bis report to the Town Board. Mr Finlay states that he was introduced to the Acting-Defence Minister, the Hon. G.'T’owlds, by Mr H. M. Stowell, a former resident of Hawera, and was very courteously received. In stating' bis case to the Minister, Mr Finlay referred to the noble deeds done by our early settle;! s and soldiers, many’ of whom had laid down their lives to win this fair country and thus add another gem to the Empire’s Grown. He also poiiit-