GRAVES ON GALLIPOLI

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1929, Page 11

GRAVES ON GALLIPOLI

A FRAMEWORK OF TREES.

A description of the cemeteries on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where so many New Zealand soldiers are buried, is contained in a letter recently received by Sir James Allen from Sir Fabian Ware, vice-chairman of the Imperial War Graves Commission. Describing his vibit, Sir Fabian said he had not been to Gallipoli for four years, and he was very pleased with the development of the cemeteries.

"In the New Zealand cemeteries, as in all others with the exception of one or two right down by the seashore exposed to salt spray, the trees are growing well —cypress, pine and tamarisk—and the effect of large spherical clumps of rosemary is excellent,” Sir Fabian said. "The horticultural work is remarkable and, although we cannot grow the

flowers that we do in France and Belgium, the cemeteries quite hold their own in comparison with the others, and have a dignity and permanent appearance of peace. “The stone everywhere has retained its whiteness, although I had expected it to weather much darker. The view of the cemeteries from Chanuk Bair and other heights is very much as it was, absolutely overwhelming in its impressiveness. The growth of trees is adding a green framework to the cemeteries, which makes them living in the landscape. At the start I did not like the form of headstone adopted, but since the horticulture has developed all my objections have disappeared.

“The New Zealand memorial at Chanuk Bair stands strong and solid, and will do. so for a thousand years or more. I -was very interested to notice a practice followed on the Italian boats, and, I expect, on - some of the others as well. Passing the Cape Hefles monument, they blow three blasts, dip their flags and, in response to a notice displayed the previous day, everybody observes three minutes’ silence. It is a most impressive tribute.”