TOWN BEAUTIFYING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 May 1941, Page 4

TOWN BEAUTIFYING

MASTERTON SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING ACTIVITIES BEING CONTINUED. PLANTING OF FLOWERING APPLES. In spite of difficult war years, the Masterton Beautifying Society is continuing its activities, which this year include a commencement with a comprehensive programme for the planting of the flowering apple, which has been adopted as the town flower. The annual meeting of the society’ was held last night, the president, Mr E. W. Payton being in the chair. After referring to the enthusiasm shown at the last annual meeting of the society, at which it was decided to continue the society's activities, Mr Payton said although, during the past twelve months, the society had not been as active as it might have been, it had endeavoured to maintain its past work. Masterton’s streets, as the result of the planting of trees carried out by the society, compared more than favourably with those of any other town in New Zealand. The society, he said, intended to continue its tree planting programme and the borough council had given permission for the planting of three more streets.

The annual report indicated that on account of the war the policy of the society had been to conserve its funds, as it was not thought advisable to approach the public for subscriptions at present. Attention had been paid to the trees and shrubs already planted ■and to the replacement of trees that had died. Many inspections were carried out by members of the committee during the year. The most important project was the adoption of the flowering apple as the town flower and a comprehensive planting scheme for this species. The society was indebted to the Borough Council for its financial assistance and active help and to many members, especially Mr L. Robinson for his advice. The society faced the new season with an extensive planting scheme. Mr Robinson gave a comprehensive report on the condition of trees established in various streets in the town. He stated that 48 replacements were required this year. On the motion of Mr Payton, Mr Robinson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his report. Mi' Payton eulogised Mr Robinson’s work and referred to the excellent way in which the trees had been pruned. Dr. Archer Hosking agreed, stating that he did not know of another town where the trees were so shapely.

Officers were elected as follow: — Patron, Dr. Archer Hosking; president, Mr L. Robinson; vice-presidents, Miss Maunsell, Messrs E. W. Payton. H. E. Gardner: committee, Messrs S. V. Playstead. A. Keith. F. C. Daniell, A. J. Towns, W. E. Chunn, C. L. Needham, V. Joseph, M. Davey. J. G. McFarlane, with power to add; secretary, Mr J. Lawson: treasurer, Mr H. M. A. Major: acting treasurer, Mr S. V. Playstead. Mr Gardner suggested that several 1 flowering apple trees should be given to each school in the borough and also to the hospital, so that they could well distributed through the borough. COMMITTEE MEETING. At a subsequent meeting of the committee, consideration was given to a petition signed by about eighty residents of Bannister Street, requesting the planting of trees in that street. It was decided to write to the Borough Council, asking for its permission to proceed with the planting. It was pointed out that the Society, for a fee of 2s 6d, would provide and plant a flowering apple for any resident of the town or other organisation.