PATUMAHOE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 452, 29 July 1919, Page 3

PATUMAHOE.

ARBOR DAY.

Arbor day was celebrated at the Patumahoe school by tree and shrub planting which should have the effect of greatly improving the future appearance of the grounds and the comfort of the children.

The planting and arrangement were organised by the head teacher, M. Graham, and wa carried 'ont by the boys and girls, assisted by the members of the school committee. The work was carried out by the children with much enthusiasm and resulted in a hedge being planted along the whole school frontage, the western boundary being planted with Lawsoniania pines six feet apart, which when grown will make an ornamental shelter hedge. Trees were planted in other parts of thi ground for shade and beautification.

Trees were also planted in memory of boys from the school who were killed in the war the names of the boys and the planters were as follows :—R. McDivitt by head teacher, A. McDonald by G. Howard, R. Miller (tree presented by E. Allen) planted by the Chairman, C. Moore by Z. Johnston, A. Sheridan by G. Johnston, W. Wood by his brother A. Woods. When the tree planting was finished the teachers, committeemen and children assembled in the school, the children were addressed by the Chairman and Head Teacher on the custom of Arbour Day, beautifying of the grounds, and benefits of afforestation. The children were reminded that the work they had done that day would give pleasure and comfort to children attending the school many years hence, and they were urged to an appreciation of the beautiful and the consideration of others so that these attoibutes would be reflected in their own lives when they grew to be men and women and had to take a real part in the battle of life for which they were now preparing at school. A plentiful supply of tea and cakes provieed by the members of the committee was dispensed by the assistant teacher, Miss Pattenson, and the elder girls, after which the children dispersed to their homes having spent a pleasant and profitable afternoon.