BEAUTIFICATION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 239, 30 May 1932, Page 6

BEAUTIFICATION

EXPERTS VIEWS USE OF NATIVE TREES IN LAYING OUT STREETS. HORTICULTURAL INSITUTE. Interesting views upon the possibilities of Rotorua's proposed beautification scheme, as well as a survey of the prospects in the industry generally, were given a "Morning Post" representative on Saturday by Mr. J. N. McLeod, N.D.H. (N.Z.), who has been on a brief visit to Rotorua. Referring to the present depression, Mr. McLeod said that he did not consider that there was any ground for extreme pessimism at the present time. Already there were signs that both her, and in fact in the world in general, men of vision were getting together in a spirit of helpfulness with a view of stemming in sane ways the present drift. He agreed with some of the leading economists and the world's greatest bankers that there had been too much deflation; the trouble was not at the production end. There were, the world over, the means of creation and increase in abundance, but the difficulty was distribution. Conditions could not long remain as they were. War debts would have to be dealt with on a fair basis and the interest problem on assets which had np reality beyond book entries, must be adjusted| He expected much from the Ottawa and Lausanne Conferences. In the reconstruction that was coming, horticultural pursuits must share. Horticulture was the highest form of land usage. The institute of horticulture was endeavouring to raise the status of the profession and give to traders and amateurs a much higher standing than formerly. Education. The Institute of Horticulture had already established itself and was recognised as the paramount authority in the Dominion on all horticultural matters. ttts horticultural scheme of education was now included in the scheme of the New Zealand Education Department, while the Institute of Horticulture Act, 1927, gave authority to grant certifmates and diplomas in horticulture. , In several cities there were classes formed and already about 200 diplomas and certificates had been granted by the examination board. Rotorua Beautification. Asked if he had been to the gardens and borough reserves, Mr. McLeod said he had spent a very pleasant time in having a good look around and was struclc with the work and lay-out of the town and its great possibilities for still more aesthetic treatment. Rotorua and its gardens and forest development was appreciated wherever tourists who had visited Rotorua were to be found. He said the gardens reflected great credit on the present and past hortieulturists in charge. When the works initiated and" now being carried out in connection with the Government Gardens, and that now proposed by the Borough Council were completed, they would be outstanding assets to the town. Native Plants Suggested. Mr. McLeod said that while exotic trees and plants should not be overlooked altogether , in the planting schemes they should not be allowed too much prominence, for the reasons that visitors, especially from abroad, could see the plants growing in their native surroundings, often to better perfection. Visitors when in a strange land appreciated seeing the plants and flowers indigenous thereto, and especially in a unique town such as Rotorua this phase should not be overlooked. As a rule the plants of a country were seen to the best advantage in their own natural settings, a/,d this fact should always be taken advantage of when laying out streets, reserves and public places.