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Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1926, Page 2

The question of the trees on Cass Square is still exercising the minds of the Borough Council. 'l'he fate of the trees hung in the balance on Friday night, hut some sylvan fairy must have whispered in the ear of the Mayor, and for the time being the woodman has to spare the tree. The subject has now been relegated to the Reserves Committee which is to report as to the fate of the trees. "We hope the members of the committee are posI sessed of a little imagination and abb | to visualise Cass Square with the trees as at present and without them, ravisli- [ ed by the ruthless axe of the wcotl- [ choppier. The members might even try to imagine what the trees will appear like, lopped and disfigured out of all natural symmetry. The trees as they are give distinction to Cass Square. They afford admirable shelter. They supply the necessary setting to the grounds. They were planted by those with Old World ideas, and a. love for trees, and were intended to circle the grounds an artificial demarcation. and a suitable setting to the residential portion of the town surrounding. They have grown up with the town, and their sacrifice now would he like the cutting off of old friends. Thov have a special value as they are, and if they are to he ruthlessly mutilated it will ho the beginning of the end of the life of the trees. Tt is some years now since a number of trees were cut down on Cass Square through an unfortunate error, and for a long time the vacant places were very noticeable, and the stumps a scar on the surroundings. To repeat that act would he a sad mistake indeed, while to attempt the destruction of one side and not the other would leave the view lopsided and a marked disfigurement. The trees might well be tolerated, provided as they were to cc mplete the aspect of {he peoples'

play ground.' Cass Square belongs to the people for all time. Those who are complaining are but a section and the many should be considered Itefore the few. We are persuaded the trees have numerous friends who would desire to see them saved rather than ruthlessly destroyed. Cass Square owes a great deal of its pleasant setting to the background of the trees, and' if they were removed the result would lie- a depressing disfigurement. Before any decisive step is taken in the matter, we hope the value of the trees as they pertain to Cass Square itself will have the fullest consideration.