OKAIAWA CEMETERY

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1933, Page 10

OKAIAWA CEMETERY

A WELL-KEPT RESERVE. PEACEFUL RESTING PLACE. In many districts the last resting place of the inhabitants is a picturesque .spot, and the authorities take pride in keeping the area in neat and attractive condition. This is certainly so at Okaiawa, where the cemetery is a quiet, pretty and dignified area. The idea of forming a cemetery board was first thought of in 1905, when a meeting was held io elect trustees. Those elected were Messrs. W. R. Wood (chairman), E. O. Chivers, T. Walsh, B. Phillips and W. Johnston. It was decided to accept the trusteeship and a cheque of £76 was received from the receiver of land revenue. The area was surveyed and laid out in plots. A ■- : ' In 1907 Mr. Wood, resigned and was re.-, placed by Mr. Coxhead. Mr. E. Chivers then became chairman. Subsequently Mr. E. G. Betts and Mr. S. A. Tippett were appointed to the board of trustees and Mr. Betts became chairman. In 1921 he resigned and Mr. A. Lees was appointed chairman and secretary. In 1926 Mr. B. Phillips resigned as caretaker after service of 35 years in this position. In 1929 a scheme of improve.ments was embarked upon and a concrete boulder fence erected at a cost of £l5O. This has greatly improved the appearance of the entrance and gives effect to the neat grass plots in the background. Tlie cemetery’s finances have always been in a very good position and by 1932 there was a credit of £2OO. Last year Mr. W. Johnston resigned and the death of Mr. Lees caused another vacancy. These vacancies were filled by the appointment of Messrs. L. Houlahan and J. C. Barclay, the latter being appointed cjiairman and secretary.