“ACT OF VANDALISM”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20095, 15 November 1939, Page 4

“ACT OF VANDALISM”

COUNCILLOR CRITIC DESTRUCTION OF TREES PARK DOMAIN REMOVAL An attempt to save certain trees on the Park Domain failed at a meeting of the Gisborne Borough Council, sitting as the Makaraka Domain Board, last night. Tlie board had previously resolved to cut out a number of trees along the avenue and also at the back of the grandstand, and Cr. H. H. DeCosta, in pursuance of prior notice, moved that the motion in regard to those trees at the back of the stand be rescinded. The motion was lost. Cr. DeCosta said that he had voted for the removal of the trees, but after he had seen them he joined the golfers in their objections. He believed it would be "an unmitigated act of vandalism” if the trees were removed. The trees behind the grandstand hid from train passengers “a dirty oid grandstand that needs painting.” He objected only to the removal of (hose trees at. the back of the stand, although lie said that, there were some good trees in the avenue that might, be saved.

Cr. G. Bradley Smith seconded the motion.

The Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., said that the idea of the committee was to replace the frees with ornamental ones. Opportunities For Fine Avenue Cr. A. L. Singer said that there was an opportunity for the planting of a very fine avenue. Some of the trees could remain until the new ones became established. The reason for the removal of those at the rear of the grandstand was at the request of the aerodrome authorities.

The Mayor said that no direct offer had been received yet for the removal of the trees in question.

C'r. F. Tolerton said that a full meeting of the reserves committee, which visited the site, decided on the removal, and Cr. DeCosta’s motion constituted a motion of no confidence in the committee. In the avenue there was an opening for a really pretty drive.

The town clerk, Mr. W. M. Jenkins, said that Urn golfers had asked for certain trees to remain.