NATIVE FLORA CLUB

Chronicle (Levin), 29 October 1946, Page 4

NATIVE FLORA CLUB

MEMBER WELCOMED HOME A special welcome was extended to Mr. W. Nockels by the president of the Native Flora Club, Mr. I. D. Rarsons, at the club's monthly meeting recently. Mr. Nockels returned to Levin a short time ago afrer a lengthy period in the armed forces. Mr. Parsons mentioned Mr. Nockels' early connection with the club and his enthusiasm, and expressed the members' pleasure at nis return to its activities. Mr. Nockels, in responding, tolo something about life in Japan, where he was stationed recently. The country was utilised to the fullest ex'tent. Rice planting took place immediately following the narvesting of a wheat crop, the terraced fields being specially tlood-, ed. All the flat land was cultivatedy. any bush being on the hills. A dis--tincfcive feature .was . the bamboo, which grew * to a considerabTe neight. The Japanese bush like that' in New Zealand, consisted largely oi evergreens. The people were verj primitive and farmed in a crudt manner, with bullocks for ploughing. The New Zealanders found the Japanese people, as a whole, docile and friendly, and showing no hostility. Mr. Nockels concluded by showing a collection of specially artistic post cards of tree and mountain scenery in Italy. The club decided to visit th'e salt meadows at Hokio on November 17 and members coming from Levin were asked to meet at the Levin Post Office at 9.45 a.m. to arrange transport for those without cars.. All will then meet at the northern end of the C.D. Farm Road at 1( a.m. •The evening was concluded bj the serving of supper, when Mrs Parsons presented a special wel:ome cake, the words >"Welcome Home" being spelled out with the initials of the following plant specimens, which were arranged at the top of- the cake: Wahlenbergia, Earina, Leptospermum, Clema'tis and Celmisia, Oxalis, Melicytus. Euphorbia, Hebe, Olearia, Muhlen-, beckia and Elatosteipa.. The moun+ •surrounding the cake was decorated with native flowers and leave from 39 different species. The next monthly meeting of thr club will be held on November 28.