TOWN BEAUTIFICATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 299, 30 April 1941, Page 5

TOWN BEAUTIFICATION

INTEREST OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COMMITTEE A PPOINTED

The need for further beautification work in the Borough was stressed by Mr R. F. Smith when he addressed the Chamber of Commerce at its meeting on Mond'ay night. Mr Smith traced the activities of the So-

ciety, which some time ago operated and accomplished jjood work in making the town more attractive, stating that the need to beautify the town was one which should appeal! to all.

Continuing Mr Smith stated Unit many would remember the activities of the Society which, under the leadership of the late Dr. J. C. Wadmorc, accomplished a great deal of work which had been of great benefit to the town. Proof of this great work lay in the attractive appearance of,, for instance, the. Domain, the llock. Domain and Louvain Streets.

"This isj an opportunity to revive the good work," remarked the speaker, "the town is; rich in historical associations and, its genial climate favours the growing of trees.. To make it more attractive would induce visitors to come here and would please the citizens." M< - Smith continued to state that some definite plan of tree planting should be arranged for the forthcoming Arbor Day.

He continued to suggest that assistance might be forthcoming from thc : Borough Council,, while, a canvas of private citizens 1 might instil enthusiasm and find many willing to assist in making the town mo'v attractive. Adding that a, great d.eal of money spent in the past had, perhaps, not b«en to the best advantage, he suggested that a subcommittee be appointed to obtain all information possible regarding the best type of trees, shrubs etc. to purchase'. liii conclusion the speaker stated that the park at the Heads could lie greatly improved by the planting of shrubs or trees, while Commerce Street could be much improved. The question was referred, to as one of great importance by Mr G. A. Brabant, who supported M: Smith's suggestion. lie said thai the town was: bare, of trees thirty years* ago audi was now, through the foresight of some, getting very pretty. A suggestion had been made many years ago to jjlant. the whole of the hilly formation in the Borough with pohutvikawa trees, and he pointed out that if this had beeni clone; then the town would have been attractive indeed. Mr Brabant agreed, that the Chamber should give the citizens a lead in the beautification of the town.

Mr A. J, Canning also spoke; in support of Mir Smith, and favoured the- interesting of the general public in the work as. in the past it had been found that vandalism had been responsible for a great deal of the effort being wasted. The chairman, Mr W. Sullivan, agreed with the suggestions and considered that all would be. of a similar mind. Such work could decidedly improve any town and although the planting of main streets would liave to be undertaken with care) Mr Smith's projiosals were ones that should be furthered. The following were appointed a committee to make investigations : Messrs R. F. Smith, G, A. Brabant, J. Creeke.,, G. Kent, C, G. Southey. The committee has power to add to its numbers members not necessarily being members of the Chamber of Commerce.