Charges for grave repairs in Happy Valley cemeteries

There is a query from Sean as to whether the Management of Happy Valley bears responsibility for repairing the graves and removing trees or branches that may be causing damage. Unfortunately this seems to be the responsibility of the heirs. I can only speak for St Michael’s where there is a list of charges for renovations and removals displayed in the office.  Proof of descent/ownership has to be established, either by producing the original ownership document of the grave, or birth certificates. If the original ownership document has gone missing, it is necessary to take an oath in a Public Notary’s office to declare direct descent from the deceased. The cemetery administration will then engage a company to carry out the work. In 2006 the St Michael’s charge for the removal of a tree, righting and cleaning a grave was HK$ 6000, 50% to be paid up front, and the remainder on completion of the work. I dealt directly with the company once the initial formalities had been completed. I don’t know whether it would be possible to appoint a proxy. The respective churches may have different policies and charges, but the contracting out of repairs seemed to be a very normal part of St Michael’s business and the standard of the finished work was excellent.