THE CEMETERY.

West Coast Times, Issue 693, 13 December 1867, Page 2

THE CEMETERY.

TO THE EDITOB OP THE WEST COAST TIMES.

Sib— As you have invited me to publish ray letter to the Mayor on the, subject of tho Cemetery, I will take the opportunity of stating my opinions a little more fully than I did then, in hope that — in spite of the failure of the meeting — tbe subject will not be allowed to drop.

The ground reserved for the Cemetery has already been apportioned by the Government in the following manner : — The space in which tho graves are at present situated, being clear of timber, is reserved for general use. Immediately behind this a portion is allotted to tho respective denominations — Jewish, Roman Catholic, and Church of England. At the time when this apportionment was made tho other denominations signified that they would be content with tbe ground kept for general use.

One of my objects in obtaining this division of the ground was the hope of being able to raise money for the proper conservation of the ground; but the expense attendant on clearing ifc, since no Government aid could be obtained, was beyond our means, and I have come to the conclusion that tho best plau for the general care of the wholt» ground would be to place it in the handi of one board of trustees, to whom tho Government might transfer the laud. But I should wish to insist on one condition, vir., that the apportionment of the ground afc present made should be recognised in the Act of Transfer, and that whilst the Board assume the coneral care of the whole Cemetery and employ one sexton, assigning one tariff of fees for sale of plots of land or grave-digging, and other matters, and receiving all such fees for the purpose of improving the Cemetery ; yet the right should bo strictly reserved to the various denominations of arranging their ground and directing the mode of sepulture in it as they please. Two suggestions have been made with regard to the Board of Trustees ; one that it should be comprised of representatives of the denominations, the other that the Municipal Council should bo appointed. Ifc is a matter requiring consideration — but I am inclined to think it best for the Municipal Council to undertake tho task.

I presume nothing can be done until tha new Government is in office, but if any stepa can be 'taken to forward tbe matter, I will gladly lend all tbe assistance I can. Yours, &c, Heney W. Habpeb, Archdeacon.

December 12, 1867.