ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCE

Chronicle (Levin), 25 July 1946, Page 4

ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCE

LEVIN SCHGOL'S CELEBRATION VALUE OF TREES STRESSED The value of tree planting was the keynote,. not only of the short address but in a practical way, qf the observance of Arbor Day at the Levin Public School yesterday. The eelebration was held earlier than usual as the school had received 50 native shrubs from the Wellington Education Board, and it was necessary that they be planted to prevent deterioration. Proceedings opened early in the afternoon on the maiii ground, where the pupils had been assembled "by the headmaster (Mr. H. F. McClune). There was also a small gathering of citizens, including the Mayor (Mr. H. B. Burdekin), the chairman of the School Committee (Mr. A. C. Kennerley), the vicepresident of the Levin N.Z. Native Flora Club (Mr. N. M. Thomson), the president of the Levin and District Beautifying Society (Mr. A. W. Parton) and members of the staff. Mr. Kennerley welcomed those present and said how much they were indebted to the Wellington Education Board for the donation of shrubs. He said it was not necessary now to go to the bush to see the native trees, as the school had a fine collection and tnere was also the Waiopehu Scenic Reserve. He stressed the importance of trees and urged the children to preserve and care for them. The Mayor (Mr. Burdekin) stressed the need to' protect forest life as a counter to the ravages of erosion, which were happening, and could be seen after any rain in the thick muddy state of the streams which carried down to the sea much of the good soil from our agricultural and pastoral lands. Tne wastage was caused by the decaying of the roots of the trees after they had been cut down, thus allowing the top soil to slip away. The only way ro prevent this was for more planting of trees to take the place of those cut down. In Sweden, for every tree that was cut down another had to be planted. Arbor Day was first observed in America, and in that eountry the occasion was marked by a narion"wide hdliday. In conclusion, Mr. Burdekin said that everyone should protect and improve tree and plant life whenever and wherever possible. Mr. Thomson appealed to the children to think of several things as they planted the trees — to learn the names and what they meant", to preserve the trees as it was not much use planting them if somebody was going to tear them up the next day, and to Drotect them from animals and show care with fire. Mr. Parton said that 16 cherry trees were going to be planted in the triangle reserve opposite the Public Gardens on Arbor Day (August 7), and that the beautifying society was going to ask 16 girls and 16 boys from the , school to plant them, working in pairs. The pupils would first be asked to write an easy on trees or plant life, and the 16 boys and 16 girls who wrote the best story would be the ones to plant the trees. Marna Potter, president of the Junior Native Flora Club, then thanked all those present for attending and voiced the hope that Arbor Day, 1946, would be something for them to remember. Mr. McClune also thanked the public for leaving their work and attending the ceremony. He then called on a group of girls to sing "Trees." The children, who had only the day before learnt the words, surprised everyone with their perfect harmony. The visitors then proceeded to the school's native shrub plot, which is cared for by the Junior Native Flora Club, camprised of pupils and headed by Marna Potter as president. Mr. Burdekin planted the first tree, followed by Mesdames :N. M.- Thomson, I. D/Pafsons, A. W. ■Parton, A. C. Kennerley, H. L.. Jerikins ahd W. TTqlford- The remaiipng shrubs were then- plarited by the members of the Junior Native Flora Club.