Effort to trace roots of cemetery tree
Vincent Community Board is seeking information about an apple tree at the Graveyard Gully cemetery in Alexandra.
Board chairwoman Clair Higginson said the tree may have to be cut down because it is undermining a stone wall surrounding the cemetery.
However, the board wanted to find out if the tree had any historical significance to the area before a decision was made on whether to fell it, she said.
The graveyard dates back to the 1860s but it is not known when the tree was planted.
It was thought to have been planted by a member of the Saunders family, but more information was needed, Ms Higginson said.
Board member Trevor Breen said the board had been contacted by a concerned member of the public about the state of the cemetery and the lack of attention to the grounds and surrounding stone wall.
‘‘The stone fence requires some restoration,’’ Mr Breen said.
‘‘We are keen to find out the significance, if any, of the apple tree as it may need to be removed to guarantee preservation of the north-end wall.’’
Cromwell Polytechnic masonry students may be asked to help restore the wall because there were no funds allocated or volunteer group assigned to look after the graveyard, he said.
Information about the tree may be passed on to Central Otago District Council, he said.