Focus falls on Masterton memorial stone

KEY STONE: A picture showing the proposed changes to the area in front of the Pioneer Cemetery, with the jasper stone and founder's memorial plaque in front of the lychgate. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The memorial plaque and jasper stone commemorating the district's founders are set to become the central feature of the new entrance to Masterton's Pioneer Cemetery.

Earlier this month, councillors voted to return the stone and plaque to their original position after members of the Wairarapa branch of the New Zealand Founders Society voiced their concerns over plans to shunt the stone to one side of the lychgate.

The stone and plaque, which were originally placed in front of the lychgate in 1974, were removed four years ago when the seat and stone wall on either side of the entrance were bulldozed.

Masterton District Council property and facilities officer Charlie Fairbairn says the council will be collaborating with stonemason Roger Hoar and the founders' society on the final layout of the area.

The council was seeking quotes from contractors but it was hoped the stone and plaque would be in place before Christmas, Mr Fairbairn said.

A path will encircle the stone so it can be viewed from all sides and new paths will allow pedestrian access directly from the car parks.

"What we have tried to do is draw in the eye and give it a focus as a bit more of a feature."

"The stone ends up being a central feature before you get to the lychgate. People use the area differently than how they used to approach the lychgate - rather than being a bit of a dark, dingy place it becomes a much more attractive place."

Reorganising the pathways would hopefully create more opportunities for people to engage with the area, he said.

The path leading from the gate will be re-concreted and reconfigured to allow space for a large tree to the left of the gate.