BEAUTIFYING NEW PLYMOUTH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 67, 15 April 1909, Page 2

BEAUTIFYING NEW PLYMOUTH

AN ASSOCIATION FORMED. There was not a large attendance last night at the meeting convened by liis Worship Die Mayor for the purpose of forming a beautifying association. The Mayor presided. In opening the proceedings Mr. Tisch said that for some time he had felt the need for the formation of a beautifying association. The town was being greatly improved in the matter of buildings and private grounds, but the people had done little of late in the way of adding to its natural beauties in public places. He had himself inaugurated the extension of the Esplanade, but he thought that the work should be undertaken by the citizens, who might operate upon Marsland Hill, Wuolcombe Terrace, the Esplanade, and Fort Niger. Whilst not wishing to blow his own trumpet, lie referred to his success in obtaining funits for the laying out of the Technical .School grounds, which had been done without cost to the education authorities. If one man could do that, how nnic.i better could a citizens' committee do. He said he had been in communication with the Taylor-t.'arrington Company, who had kindly assisted the two local sports grounds some time ago, and Mr. 'Jtiylor had immediately agreed to give a two nights' entertainment in New Plymouth, paying all expenses, and donating hall the proceeds to the Beautifying Association, who would be expected to push the sale of tickets. Negotiations were now in progress regarding suitable dates. He wished to give credit to the tccnery Preservation Society for the work it had done in the past in the way iof preserving scenery in New Plymouth and the surrounding district, lie was very anxious that the young folks growing up should become interested in the cultivation of trees and dowers, and in protecting and preserving them in our public places. He concluded by moving that an association be formed, to be called tin; New Plymouth Beautifying Association. •Mr. W. D. Webster seconded.

Mr. Collis, chairman of the Secnery Preservation Society, said that the people of New Plymouth had to thank the Scenery Preservation Society for whatever had been done on Marsland Hill and for the esplanade. But for the Society the railway would have been built right up to tile Terminus Hotel boundary, and the esplanade rendered impossible. The. Society luul done considerable planting on Woolcoiube Terrace, Marsland Hill, in the Recreation Grounds, and on Paritutu. Unfortunately the latter work had been lost by some vandal setting fire to the trees,

and in Woolcombe Terrace the trees had been stolen or destroyed. As Air. Tiseh had said, the Scenery Preservation Society had not been very active for a couple of years past, but there had been no "sinews of war," and he had not had time to chase members for their annual subscriptions. He hinted at the amalgamation of the Society and this Beautifying Association. Mr. if. C. Hughes said it would be a pity to wind up the Scenery Preservation Society, which had done valuable work in the preservation of historic spots in North Taranaki, and which had received recognition and great assistance from Government departments and officials. But lie would like to see this movement embrace the Society. Mr. W. H. Skinner said that the work of the Scenery Preservation Society was now practically done, in having reserved for scenic purposes the Kgmont National Park, Afouut Messenger, and other beautiful tracts of country, together with -spots of historic interest. Now a Government department hud undertaken this work, lie ventured the statement (hat Jliirsland Hill would not now be a public domain but for certain steps taken by the Scenery Preservation Society. There were disheartening features, of course, such as the destruction by fire of the fifteen-years-old plantation' at the base of Puritutu. Hut he would like to sec the beautifying work proceeded with. The motion was carried. It was decided to fix the subscription at: Gentlemen ss, ladies 2s (Id. Air. G. Tisch was elected president of the Society, and in returning thanks said lie.would "put his best foot furward" in making New Plymouth really the "Garden of New Zealand." He intended now to write to the Central and AVest End School committees oll'ering prizes for essays upon the beautifying of New Plymouth. That should awiiken interest in the young folk. Messrs. W. If. Skinner and W. A. Collis were nominated as vice-presidents, but declined. Mr. E. C. Hughes was elected to the position, The following provisional committee was elected, to canvass for members and report to a full meeting in Afav: Alesdanies Tisch and' O'Driscoll. Aiess'rs. W. D. Webster, F. W. Sandford, K. Sole, S. Brooks. K. W. Davios, and ,1. Staples, with A(r. i\ W. Sandford as secretary pro torn. The Alayor said that he expected a membership of about a hundred, and that he bad already received promises of liberal cash assistance.