BEAUTIFYING THE MAITAI BANKS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 6 May 1925, Page 2

BEAUTIFYING THE MAITAI BANKS

WONDERFUL natural asset

Mr Geo. A. Green, who is a frequent. visitor to Nelson, discussed the matter of the beautification of Nelson city reserves and of the Maitai River banks in particular, with a Mail representative last week. He said he considered that no other town in the Dominion bad the immediate possibilities of procuring splendid results at a small cost as has Nelson in the reserves on the Maitai Banks from below the Tiafalgar-street- up towards to the city boundary. 110 advocated that a detailed scheme and design should be prepared, either by calling for competitive designs or by employing the services of a competent landscape architect to study tho course of the river and the reserves with existing public roads, and prepare a scheme to fit the conditions now existing. The ever flowing river with its graceful bends and the possibilities of various artificial water effects provided if properly utilised, strike those who have the least outlook —the charm of the (Maitai Banks even now ’ are great—but they can be increased a hundredfold As an asset—taken in conjunction wdtli tho climate and other advantages Nelson possesses—the Maitai and its banks are invaluable.

PLANTING When the scheme of lay-out ligg been decided on and the arrangements made tor the paths, scats and other adjuncts, then the question of planting must be considered. New Zealand native trees and shrubs -should be used for a back ground. These should include a good selection of quick and slow' growing trees and planted thick, at first, so as to get effect in the shortest time possible. The temporary plants can then be removed to make room for the slower growing and more permanent ores. Anyone who lias seen the results of similar planting in the reserve at North, where the water effect is not present, will realise what can be done where tho river combines with tlie scheme of planting. While native flowering plants and shrubs should be the main features in the foreground, Mr Green suggested that there would he ample room for the introduction of a large number of choice dwarf flower shrubs, which could he planted and cared for at a minimum of expense.

The present would seem to be an appropriate time to definitely lay out (lie plants for the future of this premier ueautv spot. Ouce the scheme lias been adopted and a definite start made, itcan he developed year by year as funds are available,- either from tho public purse or from private donations.