CORRESPONDENCE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16410, 2 January 1919, Page 5

CORRESPONDENCE.

TREES AS SOIiDIERS' MEMORIALS. TO THE EDITOR OF U TH* PRESS." Sir, —I notice that several municipalities in the Australian Commonwealth, especially in Victoria, have adoptedi what appears a very excellent 6cheme for perpetuating the memory of fallen heroes. The "Avenues of Honour" scheme, so called, is simply the planting of a tree (British oak or native variety for preference) for every soldier belonging to the town who has made the supreme sacrjfice. Tho trees are planted according to an approved plan, and upon a special day arranged for the ceremony, in avenues on the outskirts of the town, around parks, sports grounds, church properties, or even at fixed intervals between one town and another. A suitable copper tablet, obtainable at small cost, bearing the soldier's number, name, rank, battalion, and where and when killed, is fixed to the guard protecting the tree. This will bo permanently fixed to the trunk of the tree when it grows sufficiently large. Relatives, should they so desire, have the opportunity of planting the trees, paying the cost, and keeping their particular tree in order. The scheme serves a double purpose, keeping, as it does, the soldiers in continual remembrance, besides adding lasting beauty to the community. The City Council, the Domains Board, or at least some of our borough councils, might, with profit, consider the idea, ere the planting season arrives.—Yours, etc., "JOHN SMITH."