Respecting those who came before

The Pukerau Cemetery support group and some Gore counselors helped the children plant more than 1000 narcissos lamps in front of Pukerau cemetery last week and a few days later they made a workshop on how to create the crosses.

The secretary of the support group, Margaret Pullar, said it was the second time they planted narcissos with the children and they did it to connect young people to some pride in the hometown.

“Having school -age children to participate give them an investment in the beauty of the district in the future, because they will care about something that has been involved in planting,” she said.

Gore District Council and Recreation Manager Keith McRobie and the cemetery, Sexon Dianne Hamlin helped the children plant lamps in rows on the pre-cut ground.

The support group also dedicated itself to organizing the reform of the cemetery, including some graves of the pioneer family that fell into degradation.

The marble -carved purvis and family graves were cleaned and surrounding forged iron fence and the concrete was fixed, said Pullar.

According to research by the group, William H. Purvis was the first blacksmith in Pukerau, dying in 1898, and was involved in the city’s school, domain and library committees.

His relative David A. Purvis died in 1927 and was one of the first settlers in the municipality, living there for over 50 years.

His daughter Lorna was one of the school’s first teachers in Slopedown, educating his students in a cabin, his research said.

The Hey family came from Yorkshire in 1880 and Albert Hey and his wife Hannah Martin settled in Pukerau.

The children of Pukerau Heys, Bert and Ray served in World War I.

The severe hey are over 100 years old, vintage roses in their plot, said Pullar, as well as purple flower.

“Frequently found in cemeteries, Pervinca symbolizes perseverance, hope and strength,” said Pullar.

The cemetery also houses 16 war service graves, where the linen will cross before Anzac Day service.

Near the entrance, there is a kiosk of information with a list of over 200 names of soldiers in the widest area that fought in wars starting with the boor war in South Africa.

The cemetery also has a designated Muslim area facing Mecca, which is yet to be filled, said Pullar.

ella.scott-fleming@alliedpress.co.nz