Plans to improve scruffy cemetery

CLEAN-UP NEEDED: A tidy-up of the Masterton Cemetery is planned, to restore pride. PHOTOS/FILE

Masterton people are being asked to get in behind plans to give the Masterton Cemetery a makeover, and with that in mind a public meeting has been called for November 26.

Roddy McKenzie, one of a group working to have pride restored in the cemetery, which includes a pioneer section, said yesterday the meeting would be held in the Frank Cody Lounge. It would start at 5.30pm.

That would allow not only retired people to attend but also workers who could call in to the meeting on their way home from their job and before they settled down for the evening.

Mr McKenzie said the group was seeking fresh ideas on how to improve the cemetery, which had become run-down over the years.

Already the group has lobbied the Masterton District Council and succeeded in getting a lot of unwanted trees felled from within the cemetery's environs.

"But now we want ideas from families who have loved ones buried there, and anyone else who has an interest in the cemetery and its history, to come along and talk with us," Mr McKenzie said.

The group has the services of stonemason Roger Hoar, who could offer expert advice regarding the restoration of graves and tombstones.

Mr McKenzie said he could be contacted on (06) 372-5828 or people could telephone June Tainsh (06) 377-3306 or Graeme Evans on (06) 378-2051.