The Waikato Independent TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1926. GOD’S ACRE.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 2609, 13 April 1926, Page 4

The Waikato Independent TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1926. GOD’S ACRE.

It is regrettable that for a great number of years God’s Acre at Hautapu has an appearance far from. in keeping with the tidy and clean condition of the town. We, as a community, have on more than one occasion been reproached by visitors regarding the neglected and generally untidy appearance, of our cemetery and some, have even gone so far as to characterise is as the worst ..they have ever seen. While it will be freely admitted that there is much ground for complaint we do not .think that it is any better or worse than cemeteries of neighbouring districts, which is perhaps one reason why Cambridge should as it has done in other directions, set an example. Cambridge’s cemetery is a trifle isolated, but not more so than some southern cemeteries that for neatness, tidiness and a general wellkept appearance, are a credit to the towns and districts to which they belong. It is regrettable, but nevertheless very true, that while there are some local residents who regularly attend to the graves of departed relatives ’ and friends, the majority of the graves arc in a condition of neglect that earns for the cemetery as a whole and the community as its guardians, the reproaches levelled by visitors from time to time. It must be. appreciated that it is disheartening to those guardians who take a pride in earing; for the last resting places of the departed that perhaps adjoining are graves covered with rank growth of all descriptions and presenting a longforgotten appearance. It has been said in the past that the Borough Council were • to blam for the conditions existing and without doubt the controlling body must shoulder its share of blame for the complaints made, but it must be remembered that it is only by the co-operation of guardians of graves in conjunction with the controlling body that the Cambridge, or any other, cemetery, can be kept in a condition that will earn the respect, such areas should at all times receive. However, it is never too late to mend our wavs and we take pleasure in drawing . readers ’ attention to His Worship the Mayor’s appeal in another column which we. trust, is the first, step towards transforming' our present neglected .cemetery " into an' urea befitting the purpose for which it it set aside and make it worthy of the term God’s Acre. . . . At the last meeting of the Council it was mentioned that a new caretaker had been appointed and that a scheme of improvements was under way. The former has already been given effect to and a noticeable' improvement, may be observed in the removal of much of the rank growth that surrounds plots. Having brought down a scheme pf improvements', and being supported by the Council, it is gratifying to observe that' His Worship intends to remove any ground for complaint so far as the controlling body is concerned. This week the .Borough staff will spend several days at the ■cemetery and thoroughly clean up the entrance, the' drive, and paths leading to all parts of the area. With this assistance and the heaviest portion of the task' completed the caretaker (Mr. T. Vanes) will then have a reasonable chance of maintaining and improving the area. It is His Worship’s intention ■ also to get in touch with relatives or guardians in other districts with a view to having such graves regularly attended to and local residents able to supply information in this connection -will be render-' ing the Council and the town a service bv notifying the Town Clerk. In closing we would support His . Worship’s appeal to local relatives and guardians to co-operate with the [Council in removing the present state •of affairs at the cemetery, by giving or: 'arranging for regular attention to graves. It is the duty of the Council

to maintain all paths and vacant plots, but the Council has no power to authorise expenditure*' on graves. However, His Worship has made arrangements with the caretaker whereby he ( will undertake the care of graves at a reasonable fee and we trusty that such service will be availed of in the interests of a cleaner and. tidier cemetery.