DOMAINS BOARD

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21412, 2 March 1935, Page 22

DOMAINS BOARD

.MONTHLY MEETING HELD The Christchurch Domains Board met yesterday, Mr H. Kitson presiding. There were also present the Hon. D. Buddo. M.L.C.. Messrs T. H. ButterJ.eld. A. Freeman, F. George, G. Harper, S. A. Orchard, R. B. Owen, A. JI. Shrubshall, G. F. Whiteside, and W. H. Winsor. In his report on the work done in the gardens and parks during the six weeks ending February 23 the curator, lUr J. A. McPhcrson, remarked particularly on the strict attention to watering that had been necessary durji'ig the excessively dry weather. Four--1'■<:•:: leads of hose had been kept j;oing day and night for fully three weeks. "In the western half of the gardens, which is without reticulation," the re]'<,rt continued, "water was given to plants from a 400-gallon tank mounted *<n a dray and fitted with a 60ft length <;i hose. This was especially helpful :m holding the rhododendrons and various plants near the bog garden. "It can be safely stated that pracii'.ally no plants were lost as a direct result of the past drought. All trees j'i the gardens and both parks stood lip well, with the exception of the :-.' ramorcs facing Hagley and Riccarton ji'.i-iiues. these trees having shown of the dry weather experienced «<ver the last three years." It was also stated in the report that ■the pine mound to the south-west of the archery lawn had been prepared mid top-dressed with good soil. Within t'n<- next few days 6000 yellow and f.'OO blue crocuses would be planted. *!k.l the area sown in fine grasses. Appreciative reference was made to tne success achieved by the display from Christchurch at the national flower show at Dunedin on January 21 to 26. Organised by the Canterbury Horticultural Society and contributed I<> by the Reserves Department of the C'n.v Council, the Canterbury fruit ;.'."' iv/er.s, the Christchurch Domains .Board, the Canterbury tomato and .•tono fruit growers, and many private growers, this display received a gold medal as the most meritorious noncompetitive exhibit at the show. It v. ;,'■. decided to send a letter of appreciation to the curator, Mr McPherson. The reports of the gardens and parks committee, the curator, and the finance rommittee were received and adopted. It was agreed to send a letter of <hanks to Sir Jeremiah Coleman for Jiis letter about the orchids which he It.-d dispatched from England for the gardens, and for the additions made to /the number of his original gift.