Wateringbury Cemetery letter (1882)

Extract from "Snaps and Snarls" section (letters to editor) of Kent Times - Saturday 30 December 1882

Dear Snarler,—There is a new cemetery at Wateringbury, divided in four sections—three for Church people and one for Dissenters. So far so good. But the point which I think should be made public, and strongly deprecated, is that the three sections set apart for Churchmen are so arranged as to classify people when dead, thus the fees for burying in No. 1 section are £3 3s.; in No. 2 section, £2 2s.; and No. 3 section, 15s.; by which happy arrangement, you will see, the corpse of Dives will not be disturbed by that of Lazarus. This distinction of rich, middle class, and poor in the graveyard, where all men are supposed to be equal, is, I think you may say, most unseemly and indecent, as well as contrary to all Christian feeling; and I think, if you will not object to show the absurdity of the arrangement, you will do a great deal of good, and earn the thanks of the inhabitants of Wateringbury, who think the Parochial Burial Board have proved themselves to be wanting in wisdom, at well as in all good feeling, by making such ridiculous rules.

Yours truly,

A WATERINGBURYITE

There you are, my dear readers, what think you of the above? I'm very much obliged to "Wateringburyite" for his letter, which will, I trust, result in bringing a hornet's nest around the ears of those who have the power to put a stop to foolish arrangements as those now existing.