TREE-PLANTING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 385, 9 August 1911, Page 3

TREE-PLANTING.

A LESSON FOR TE KUITI. The scheme devised by the Borough Council for tree-planting in Taumarunui has exceeded the best hopes of those interested in this important work. The citizens responded splendidly to the invitation extended to them, and simply rushed the first supply of trees, so that the Mayor, acting as the executive of the Council, doubled the order, and the second consignment was also speedily taken up. Net result —over a mile of streets have been well and truly planted with deciduous trees Californian maples lime 3 etc. etc. The main street lined with a noble row of trees as it will doubtless be in a few years to come will be a fine sight. Trees have also been planted in Manuaute street and part of Marae street.

THE CEREMONY. At 2.30 a crowd had assembled round the firebell, the Taumarunui Band took up its position, and the school cadets were marched down in charge of Mr Davidson. The Mayor, in addressing the townspeople, thanked them for the warm support they iiad given the Council in the undertaking viz., the beautifying of the streets and recreation grounds. The intention was to make a promenade 25 feet wido along by the railway, bringing it to perfect grade, after which the townspeople would be permitted and invited to make flower beds in the intervals between the trees. The avenue would extend from the school to Katarina. street. With regard to the Recreation Ground, the Mayor said it was not proposed to plant that at present, as considerable sums would be expended on it shortly. They would wait till a design had been obtained from a landscape gardener He hoped likewise, that in a few years' time many of the streets would be planted with fruit trees, as was done in Whangarei, where they were perfectly successful.

Mr Thompson then said that the warm interest shown by the people in the. planting convinced him that they would also take measures to protect the trees from injury. He would suggest, for the sake of uniformity, three stakes, surrounded by wire netting. He then called upon the Mayoress, on behalf of the Council and burgesses, to plant the "Coronation oak," which has been presented by the Government to the town. This was done amidst applause, the band playing "God the King." Mr Langmuir, President of the Horticultural Society, made a strong plea on behalf of the beautify ing of private gardens, as well as public; streets, after which the residents dispersed and proceeded to plant their trees.