Restoration of historic grave in Shortland Historic Cemetery, Thames, New Zealand

Samuel and Ellen Chalton arrived in New Zealand aboard the "Blue Jacket" in 1859. After farming in Northland they moved to the Thames area in 1869 where they were involved in mining and opened the first Queens Hotel. In the late 1870s they established a farm from raw scrub and bush on the river banks around eight km north of Paeroa. This area was named Netherton by Samuel after Netherton Hall in England. The name Netherton still exists today.

In the late 1880s he donated land for the establishment of the Netherton School which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Ellen died in 1890 and in the last years of his life Samuel moved back to Thames, where he died in 1910 age 83 years. He had seven children, six of whom survived to adulthood.

Their grave is in terrible condition and is on the verge of collapse. It is terrible to see the grave of these early settlers so neglected, when they have contributed to make New Zealand what it is today.

The photos were taken 7 February 2016.

The cost covers a full restoration and a new plaque to be set into the new bed of the grave restating the wording on the headstone which has become weathered with age.