THE PAEROA DOMAIN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5207, 23 November 1927, Page 3

THE PAEROA DOMAIN.

INTERESTING TREE COLLECTION. VALUABLE ASSET TO TOWN. Persons who admire natural beauty would be well repaid by paying a visit to the Paeroa Domain at the present time. A transformation scene has taken place among th® deciduous trees, which have now come into ul green leaf after a period of bareness during the winter months. Among the many beautif.nl trees and shrubs to be seen at the Domain —and there are hundreds—the copper beech instantly commands attention. The symmetrical copper-red leaves are just a blaze of sombre colour and make a striking contrast to the green foliage of thq surrounding trees. The liquid amber and Japanese maple trees are now also looking their best, and are much admired. It has often been commented upon, especially by visitors, that the, collection of trees, both native and impdrtted. at the local domain is One of the finest in the Dominion. Probably few people in Paeroa realise this, and also the fact that Mr W. Hamilton, who has been domain superintendent for close on 23 years, planted and tended practically every tree and shrub in the domain. One of the trees most highly prized by Mr Hamilton is the maiden-hair treet which he has grown from a tiny plant. This tree, which is a native of the highlands of. China, is very rare, hard to propagate, and is to be found growing in very few places in New Zealand. Another interesting specimen at the, domain, although not so rare, is the Japanese flowering Catalpha, which grows to an age of fifteen years before it flowers. The tree grown locally flowered for the first time last year, and again this year there is evidence that it will bloom again. Another interesting specimen . is the tree Robusta Gravqlliar, which grows for 20 years before flowering. Last year this tree bloomed; freely for the first time, and the exqu'site bronze-coloured flower, forming large sprays of blossom, was much admired' and elicited many inquiries as tp its name. A party of Government officials from the Forestry Department who were on a visit to Paeroa recently expressed pleasure., and surprise at the splendid and varied collection of trees at the domain, indeed, it is the visitors to Paeroa who are the most appreciative of the domain and all it contains, and it is surprising h<>w people from all parts of the Dominion have spoken enthusiastically of th® trees, and frequently the opinion has been expressed that the collection is Oh® of the best in New/Zealand. Even the casual, unobservant person passing through the domain cannot help being struck with the beauty and orderly appearance of the surroundings. The hedge which partly surrounds the bowling green is composed of such roses as Dorothy Perkins, crimson rambler, and Clara Jacque varieties, which are now in full bloom and present a pretty picture. Mere writing fails to describe adequately what a wonderful asset the citizens of Paeroa have in the domain, situated as it is in the centre of the town, yet unless there is a special atraction apart from bowling, tennis, t and croquet it is surprising how few 'residents spare the time to stroll ' round the well-kept footpaths pr it down and admire the beauty ot one of the town’s greatest assets, f