Wounds healed at memorial unveiling

DEDICATION: Archdeacon Hariata Tahana led the singing of a hymn to close the ceremony.PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGA.

It was a red-letter day for the Wairarapa branch of the New Zealand Founders Society yesterday when a jasper stone and memorial plaque at the entrance to Masterton's Pioneer Cemetery was unveiled, rededicated and blessed.

A ceremony was held on site which in some ways served to not only reinstate the physical memorial but also to heal wounds caused in a long running battle with Masterton District Council.

That arose a little over four years ago when the stone and plaque situated in front of the lychgate, erected in 1974 in memory of the district's pioneers, was taken away without consultation when changes were made to the cemetery entrance. What followed was a prolonged battle by the founders to get it returned and yesterday they saw their efforts come to fruition, with the full support of the council.

Founders Wairarapa president Anne Woodley spoke on behalf of the 80 members belonging to the branch. She told the guests, which included former mayor Frank Cody who had officiated at the original unveiling 41 years ago, it was very gratifying to have the stone back in its rightful position.

"It has been a long, protracted exercise to achieve its reinstatement and thanks are due to our present council in ensuring this," she said.

Mayor Lyn Patterson recalled being told the original unveiling had been Frank Cody's first task as mayor. "He had to be quickly sworn in by the town clerk so he could attend and officiate," Mrs Patterson said.

War historian Neil Frances spoke about the historic links the cemetery has with wars Wairarapa servicemen were involved in. He told the gathering that among the graves are 24 which are under the auspices of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The unveiling of the restored jasper stone memorial was done by Coie O'Brien, 96, a founders member who had been at the 1974 unveiling. The stone was blessed by Archdeacon Hariata Tahana.