COMMEMORATIVE TREES.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1920, Page 4

COMMEMORATIVE TREES.

PLANTED IN GARDENS.

(Christchurch Sun.)

Saturday saw no fewer than four commemorative trees planted on the Archery Lawn at the Gardens. His Excellency the Governor-r General arrived early in the day and planted a Cedrus deodara in' the vicinity of the kauri tree planted by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. Her Excellency, the Countess of Liverpool also planted a tree, an English beech. This was done by proxy, however, Captain Tahu Rhodes performing the necessary operation.

At 3 p.m. the Prime Minister arrived at the . Gardens and was received by the Curator,' MV Janies Young. Mr Massey was accompanied by Messrs Geo. Harper, A. McKellar, J. Jamieson, and the Hon. R. Moore M.L.C. Mr Harper on behalf of the Christchurch Domains Hoard, asked Mr Massey to plant a commemorative tree. Two trees were ready for planting—a native beech (Fagus fusca), and an English beech (Fagus euprea). “Which will you have sir?” said Mr Young. “The copper beeches last the longer!” “1 go for the ones which last the longe'r!” smilingly replied the Prime Minister, quickly “getting busy” with the spade, which he handled in workmanlike way. The Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald next planted a tree, selecting a native beech which was also set to the curator’s, approval.

At the conclusion of the latter two ceremonies, cheers were given for the “planters” by those present at the Gardens.