Pioneer's grave restored

Extensive restoration work was done on the grave of Arthur Burns and five family members in the...
Extensive restoration work was done on the grave of Arthur Burns and five family members in the Southern Cemetery. Photo: Brenda Harwood

The restoration of the grave of Arthur Burns in the Southern Cemetery has been a labour of love for Emeritus Professor Martin Ferguson ONZM, of Dunedin.


Prof Ferguson’s obsession with the origin of the Mosgiel name led to in-depth research into Otago’s founding father Rev Thomas Burns and his son Arthur.

Arthur Burns farmed with his father at Grants Braes before moving to the Taieri Plain and founding the Mosgiel Woollen Company in 1871.

The township of Mosgiel grew up around the company, whose name was inspired by the name of the family farm in Scotland, ‘‘Mossgiel’’.

Prof Ferguson said that, although the grave of Thomas Burns atthe Southern Cemetery was in good condition, the same could not be said of the grave of Arthur Burns and five family members.

"It was a mess," he said.

"It seemed to me that such important historical figures deserved better."

The Burns Memorial Trust was established last year to raise funds for the grave restoration.

Donations towards the project were received from the Historic Cemeteries Conservation Trust of New Zealand, the Shacklock Trust, Peter Holland, Irene Mosley, Hope & Sons Ltd, and Prof Ferguson himself.

Dunedin Monumental Masons restored Arthur Burns’ grave, removing a large cabbage tree atthe grave’s edge, building a wall, stripping and cleaning the headstone, and renewing the lettering. The project cost about $5000.

A plaque describing the life and achievements of Arthur Burns, and acknowledging the grave restoration donors was also installed, Prof Ferguson said.

"The results are fantastic — I am very pleased with how it has turned out."

The restoration of the grave of Arthur Burns and family is the second such project undertaken by Prof Ferguson.

Previously, he researched the original surveyor of Dunedin, Charles Kettle, and arranged to have his grave in the Southern Cemetery restored.

BRENDA.HARWOOD@thestar.co.nz

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