HOKITIKA BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1926, Page 1

HOKITIKA BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

The Executive, of the above met at the County Chambers at 4.30 o’clock yesterday afternoon:—Present: Hon IT. L . Michel (President), Messrs D- J. Evans, S. J. Preston and J. Niven.

The Treasurer reported the receipt of £ll os Od from the Bachelors’ Ball, and £2 7s from the Football Sub-Un-ion, being net proceeds from functions held recently.—Received with thanks.

Several small accounts were passed for payment, including the balance due to the Borough Council for share of the caretaker’s wages.

The Chairman referred to the suggested cutting of the trees on and about Cass Square. They all recognised the value of the trees and the purpose they served. While recognising that the trees had grown considerably and perhaps were not the best trees for the purpose, the plantation should not lie interfered with unless under a comprehensive scheme to make good the position for the trees removed. A wildnerness of stumps would not he a pleasing spectacle, and the ground would lie robbed of its charm by the loss of the trees. Mr Preston concurred, and said of people spoken to tterc was a strong feeling against the suggested destruction of the trees.

Air Evans pointed out that interference with the belt of trees on the east side should bo well thought out before being attempted. The trees formed a pleasant background to the cenotaph, and without the trees the spot would he robbed of the beauty of the situation, which now impressed r who visited and admired the position of tin? war memorial. The eastern side was a pleasant spot and the fact that the trees gave such friendly shelter made it also so popular with the folk on bright days in particular. Afr Niven expressed concurrency! with the views expressed, and as far as his enquiries had gone there was a. very general opinion to preserve the plantation for the excellent purposes it was serving.

After further discussion, Afr Preston moved that the meeting views with concern the suggested cutting or serious interference with the plantation surrounding Cass Square, and would point out. respectfully to the Borough Council that the trees are both an ornamentation and a valuable shelter, and any disfigurement as was indicated by a. previous discussion at the Council table, would detract most materially from what is a great asset to the town from several points of view. The Chairman seconded the motion, which was carried. Tt was further resolved to convey the motion for fhe consideration of the Borough Council. The meeting then adjourned.