THE Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1892. ARBOR DAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2388, 28 July 1892, Page 2

THE Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1892. ARBOR DAY.

It is now abundantly evident that Arbor Day will not be celebrated in what may be termed a national manner, That a close holiday will be observed is more than likely, for we are rather given to that kind of thing in this colony, but that pulpy of those keeping holiday from their ordinary vocations will devote their attention to planting a tree or two is most improbable, For reasons for this inindifference to Arbor Day one Ims not far to seek. It arises in the first place from the want of a proper understanding of the value and meaning of the institution, secondly, from the want of some really practical suggestions as to how the idea should be carried out; and, thirdly, because the local bodies more particularly interested in the matter have not been notified of the date and proposals in such time as would aljow of

arrangements being made for their carrying out. With regard to the institution of Arbor Day in the United States some little explanation may again be made upon the subject. It was originated with the view of replacing the immense primeval forests which lumbermen and frontier settlers were recklessly destroying—a destruction which far sighted individuals foresaw must eventually entail a severe loss to the country as a whole. It did not take Americans long to realize this, and shortly after the idea was mooted crowds of people turned out, and, under supervision, planted trees. These trees are growing apace, and although those who have planted them may never live to see them of commercial value, still, their descendants will, and throughout the States, there will remain for generations living and lovely monuments of a nation’s forethought, it is in a national manner that the matter should be taken up in New Zealand. Many of our forests were destroyed by fire long before the country was settled, and the few patches of bush that have been left are rapidly being cut away. In this particular district little will be left in a few years of the original bush, and in the North Island bush clearing is going on at an alarming rate. To provide a timber supply for future generations is ostensibly our bounden duty, and here are a few suggestions as to how the matter might be carried out locally. In the first place funds are required. In each township subscription lists could be taken round, the donations to these should in no case be large, so that each subscriber may feel upon an equality with his neighbour. Concerts and so forth should furnish a few more pounds, and the whole should be placed in one fund. Next a site for tree planting is required. There should be plenty of suitable sites. Upon the Orari and llangitata Plains there are still patches of Government land well suited to grow trees and suited to grow little else. There are water-race reservations, one or two unplanted domains, strips of riverbed land, and at Tcmuka the rifle range reservation. Such spots as have been mentioned have a thoroughly national character. It has been suggested that school grounds can be planted by the scholars. The idea is a pretty one, but does not quite carry out the original scheme. Having funds and a site, the further arrangements should be simple. Trees are easily procured, but these should be of good hard-wood varieties—oak, elm, ash, beech, larch, and so forth, with perhaps a few pines for shelter. Professional gardeners should be engaged to see the holes for Hie trees properly dug and also on the day appointed to generally superintend the planting. Trains and other conveyances would convoy those desirous of taking part to the site appointed, and the rest is a mere matter of detail, to be arranged according to circumstances. Carried out in such a manner, Arbor Day would not only afford a pleasant holiday but would leave upon those so engaged the sense of having spent the day in a useful and practical manner. It may be objected that the scheme is a rather large one, but if a united effort is made much can be done. Again, once the site is ser lected the planting of the trees is carried on from year to .year, and the expenses (which are really returned to the pockets of the people) are decreased. We arc glad to see that the Geraldine people are taking the matter in hand and regret to find that no attempt is being made to celebrate the day in Temuka.