“AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3844, 13 September 1928, Page 3

“AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE.”

REMOVAL OF HIMATANGI PLANTATIONS. At Monday’s Harbour Board meeting, Mr. ICelloAV (Feilding’s representative on the Board, and onetime resident of Foxton, asked the chairman Avho had been responsible for the destruction of the trees along the Himatangi road. The chairman replied that the plantations Avere oAvned by the RailAvay Department, who had sold them for timber.

Mr. KelloAV: I think it is the most disgraceful thing that I have ever seen. The Government is talking about toAvn planning and beautifying the Dominion and aIIoAVS the absolute disfigurement of the countryside like that. The chairman: The trees Avere sold for timber. Mr. KelloAV: Was there no protest raised against their destruction? The chairman: No. The matter does not concern the Board. Mr. Linklater said the area had been replanted and Avithin a feiv years there Avould be a good groAvth there again. 'Some pinus insignis he had plainted at Milson’s Line twelve years ago were now 30 feet high. Mr. Kellow expressed surprise that there had been no protest forthcoming from Foxton at the destruction of the fine plantations. The trees had been planted years ago to prevent the sand from drifting on to the raihvay line and had been admired by all Avho had passed along the road. It ivas a most pitiful thing to see the plantations rendered into an absolute wilderness. Mr. Holben: In ten years there will be new trees shoAving good groAvth there. Mr. KelloAv: This country is not Milson Line country. He again expressed surprise at the trees being removed without protest from Foxton. residents, and said personally he had spent many a pleasant hour beneath their shade.