MEMORIAL TO DR. L. COCKAYNE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21412, 2 March 1935, Page 12

MEMORIAL TO DR. L. COCKAYNE

AREA FOR N.Z. PLANTS IN GARDENS PROPOSAL TO DOMAINS BOARD The establishment of a permanent memorial to Dr. L. Cockayne, in the form of an area in the public gardens set aside for New Zealand plants, was urged by a deputation from the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, which waited upon the Domains Board yesterday. The members of the deputation were Mr H. F. Baird (president of the institute), Dr. O. H. Frankel, Messrs C. E. Foweraker and E. F. Stead.

Mr Baird, who said that the deputation came from "a bankrupt society," briefly explained the scheme. It would be fitting, the society thought, that Dr. Cockayne and his work should be remembered in the manner suggested. Dr. Frankel said that the plants could be supplied by the institute and by friends of Dr. Cockayne, and little expenditure would be involved. Such a memorial would be a considerable asset to the gardens. On the scientific side it would allow the study of variation among New Zealand plants, a subject in which Dr. Cockayne, an authority on crossing and hybridisation, was particularly interested. The scheme was further detailed by Mr Foweraker, who said that approximately half an acre of land would be sufficient. It was also suggested that the area should be marked off in some way, and a memorial tablet placed at the entrance. The deputation withdrew after some questions had been asked. Favourable comment on the proposal was made by some members. Mr G. Harper recalled that Dr. Cockayne was at one time a member of the Domains Board. The question was referred to the parks and gardens committee for consideration.