Hmm, I would imagine if we had a look at the relevant legistalion there are probably laws requiring approval from trusts or controlling bodies before anything may be constructed or erected in a cemetery. I also imagine that some of the heritage commisssions and historical societies would have a few words to say on the subject. I also believe there should be some standards applied - I know the poignant handmade homemade timber crosses are all that some can manage for possibly the recently deceased - but if anybody is thinking of commemorating a long deceased ancestor - perhaps somebody deceased in the 19th century - then I would like to see all the descendants or maybe just some of the wealthier interested descendants combining their resources and at least ensuring that any marker is of substance - a cast plaque atleast - something that will endure for the historians following us in say a hundred years or so.. btw - the FerntreeGully cemetery has a number of small memorial plaques commemorating some of the pioneers of the district - in many cases the original families were probably not wealthy enough to erect anything other than timber markers - now long gone thanks to weather and fire - and general decay that will get most of us in the end ... my extended family got together a few years ago to pay for the partial restoration of my grt.grt.grandfathers headstone in the old Ballarat cemetery - the marble had broken in half - we had it stuck back together and mounted almost flat on a concrete plinth - now nobody can push it over and break it - and the lettering is as readable as the day it was made .. it certainly is only fair that the cemetery trusts get some recognition - a little cash may be used for all sorts of things - blades for the mower, a new rake, some roundup - general maintenance - rarely do you see a neglected country cemetery in Victoria - a credit to the men and women that look after them - I should add - on a sunny day - a good cemetery is so peaceful - a nice place to be when you're alive - unless you're on business...... take care - please continue to respect and look after our cemeteries Dianne and Bill Hughes wrote: > I think it is courtesy to talk to the Cemetery Trust before you do > anything in their cemetery. In Victoria you are supposed to contact the > local Cemetery Trust, I have a feeling it is in the rules from the > Government that you need to contact them before you erect anything, be a > headstone cross or anything else. We charge $50, because being a small > cemetery we don't have much income, every little bit helps, most trusts > would ask for a small amount of money for you to mark a grave, some may > ask for a donation. > Dianne Hughes > Secretary Teesdale Cemetery Trust > > -

I can understand the use of the "poignant handmade homemade timber crosses" but I don't think money, or lack of it, has much to do with it. Think it has/had more to do with the recommended time lapse between burial and erection of a headstone to enable settlement to take place. Of course, this would only apply in some cemeteries now. Many use blue metal dust, rather than backfill, which negates the waiting period. Barbara