THE BULLOCK TRACK

Evening Star, Issue 23369, 12 September 1939, Page 3

THE BULLOCK TRACK

HO DESTRUCTION OF NATIVE BUSH REMOVING DEAD GROWTH ONLY MEETING OF AMENITIES SOCIETY Information that quite a number of citizens were under the impression that native bush, including kowhais and tree ferns, were being destroyed in the work that is progressing in Duke street, near the old bullock track, was conveyed to the monthly meeting of the Amenities Society by several members yesterday afternoon. , it was pointed out by members, and also by Air D. Tannock, superintendent of city reserves, under whose supervision the work is being done, that these statements are quite contrary to fact. Jt was no good the people saying the hush was being destroyed, said Mr R. Fountain, for this was not so. It was having a much-needed spring cleaning, and the floor of the forest would soon be in full leafage again. No kowhais were destroyed, and if any trees were cut down they were dead fuchsias. The muhlenbeckia was being cleared out. and it was seen that after the heavy snow this growth hud caused a tremendous amount of damage, dragging trees down with it under its heavy weight of snow. Mr Tannock supported Mr Fountain’s statement. It was all nonsense to say they were cutting down kowhais and ferns." Mr G. Simpson gave further corroboration that the native forest was not being destroyed. Touching upon the question of the construction of the retaining wall where the work is being done, Mr Fountain said about one chain had been completed, but no further progress would be made by the City Council, which was doing the task, until a progress payment towards the cost was received from the North Dunedin Amenities Society. The hon. secretary (Air A. C. Cameron) said he had been speaking to the chairman of the North Dunedin Society, and was informed a payment, of £25 was to be forwarded the next day. SETTLERS’ HALL GARDENS. A letter was received by the ; meeting from the town clerk, accepting the society’s offer of £2O towards the cost of work involved in preparing tho flower plots in front of the Early Settlers’ Hall, and advising that the superintendent of reserves had been instructed to proceed with the work. ARBOR DAY. Reporting on a meeting called to arrange for speakers for Arbor Day functions which are to be held for the secondary schools on Thursday or Friday of this week, Air Cameron said the question of supplying tree seeds to the schools, so they could grow their own plants, was not received with a great deal of enthusiasm, and the subject was allowed to drop. NEW GARDEN PLOT. Air Cameron also reported upon a suggestion received from Air Warrington Taylor concerning the beautification by means of a garden plot of the junction of Royal Crescent and Anderson’s Bay road. Through the enthusiasm of Mr Warrington Taylor, ho said, the residents of Royal Crescent had planted the street with trees. After further discussion it was decided to write to the St. Kilda Borough Council asking it to consider the garden plot proposal, and to offer £2 towards the cost of plants. PLAYING AREA. The meeting shortly discussed the question of planting a live hedge along the stone coping of the play area at St. Clair, and it was finally decided that Alessrs Fountain and Reid be appointed, with power to act, and to discuss the proposal with the chairman of the St. Clair Improvement Society. PURCHASE OF TREES. Air Tannock was authorised to purchase 300 large native beech trees and 24 golden Akc Ake from a nursery in Palmerston North for the society. These trees and scrubs will be planted in the Town Belt and other reserves in which the society is interested. Those attending the meeting were Air J. L. Salmond (vice-president, in the chair), Alesdames C. L. Begg, H. L. Cook, and Alessrs H. P. West, J. APGeorgc, W. J. Birrell, R. Fountain, G. Simpson. J. Scott Thompson. S. P. Cameron, J. Ash, D. Tannock, W. Reid, J. Wilson, and A. C. Cameron (honorary secretary).