NATIVE TREES & SHRUBS.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 18 August 1919, Page 3

NATIVE TREES & SHRUBS.

j AN INTERESTING ADDRESS. 1 At the Otaki Reading-room on Friday night last Mr Harold Small gave j an address on native trees -and shrubs, I under the auspices of the two local hori ticultufal societies. There was a capital attendance of about 25 persons, all of whom were deeply interested and greatly appreciated the excellent address given. Mr Frank Penn (president of the Horticultural Society) occupied the chair. Mr Small, in tile course of his remarks, said that the native flora of New Zealand was the most remarkable in the world, and this country was parj ticularly ri«h in this respect. Mr I Small proceeded to speak of a very large number of different native plants a«d shrubs, specimens of which he exhibited, also explaining the principal cßaracteristics of each. Among the many specimens exhibited were some of the tolara, matai, miro, kauri, titoki, karaka, ngaio, rata (of varieties), wharangi, puka (several varieties), whau, hoheria, maire, hinau, several beaches, kohikohi, malacope, myrtles (four varieties), panax, tainui, puriri. several varieties of pittosporum, olearia (there arc 35 varieties in New Zealand), coprosmas, senecio, celcrylcaveil pines, kowhai, clianthus, manukas, tutu, clematis, kawakawa, poroporo, veronicas, etc. Mr Small gave th« botanical names of each, together with most interesting particulars as to the habits, growth, etc., of the various trees and shrubs. It was altogether a most, enlightening address and was much appreciated by all.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Small, who expressed a wish that his efforts might result in more interest being taken in the many glorious plants and shrubs growing in this country, about which so little was known by 1 lie 'great bulk of the people.

Replying to questions, Mr Small said that he would recommend those wishing to transplant young native plants to secure very small specimens, and to remove them carefully.

Major Addington stated thai lie had found that nearly all native trees would grow from slips, and this was a very easy way of propagation. The Major said the residents of "this district had exceptional facilities of securing splendid collections, the district abounding in a wonderful variety of beautiful plants and trees. He recommended all who could to take more interest in our native flora.

It was decided to ask Mr A. W. Broadway to give the next paper or address, Mr Broadway accepting, stating that, he would deal with vegetable growing.