PLANTING THE BELT

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1751, 16 May 1913, Page 6

PLANTING THE BELT

MR. MORTON'S IDEAS. TUB WORK IS TO PROCEED. Planting of the Town Belt was the subject of a report by the City Engineer (.llr. W. H. Morton), which came before last night's meeting of the City Council. It was brought up in order that authority might bo given for certain expenditure. The City Bngineer, in dealing with the matter, had tho following to say.— "As it is desirable to immediately make preparation for alt accessary planting, on the Town Belt to be done during the current year, I recommend that I be authorised to obtain the necessary plants for dealing with that portion of the Town Belt above Oriental Bay already approved 1.-y tho committee, and also with Section IS of the Town Belt, Kelburne. These two plantations, together with that required at Lvall Bay, are likely to be as much a.-, can be satisfactorily carried out during the coming season. \ ery little time is now available to mnko arrangements, but, if authority is granted, .arrangements can be made to complete the works. With regard to Section JB, Town Belt, tho planting would be so arranged as not. to interfere with Ihe formation of tho bowling and croquet greens. It is also necessary to construct an entrance from h'elburne Parade on to this portion of the Town Belt, and a walk which will l;a of .sufficient width to take a dray in on to this particular section. Tho.necessarv levels have been taken to locate the walk referred to. This walk will be of great convenience not only to the corporation, but for the public. 1. desire also to [mint out, in connection with the planting this year by the corporation, that this work should' be undertaken quite apart from anything of a special 'character which may be attempted on Arbor Day. I am of opinion that the necessity of having Arbor Day is for the general public to take some interest in, and to plant trees on private property, but tho work required by the council should procccd vigorously from tho beginning of next, month. Jt is also proposed to grade and form tracks in various other places on the Town Bolt where the same can be wor'fod in with any scheme of planting which may have be?n already approved or ITRely to appear desirable. A plan will shortly bo, prepared- showing other portions of the belt which will bo taken in hand during the following year. In conclusion, I would point out that, up to tho present, this work has lx:en (lono ill a most, spasmodic fashion, and not sufficient time allowed for arranging the work This is even the case in tho current' year, liencc this letter pressing for immediate authority (o be granted for tho work referred to." On the recommendation of tho Public Gardens and Reserves Committee, the authority asked for by tho City Engineer was granted.