LIVING MEMORIALS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 July 1941, Page 7

LIVING MEMORIALS

FUNCTIONS FOR ARBOR DAY MINISTER’S APPEAL. OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE. In reference to prospective functions for Arbor Day, the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister- of Internal Affairs, expresses a hope that much of the planting will come under the heading of "living memorials,” trees well placed in honour of men and women who have won a right to their country's gratitude in various fields of service. . “Of course, the planting of historic trees began in New Zealand long ago,” says Mr Parry, “but the linking of people’s names with trees was not extensive until Centennial ,ycar, when there was a notable response to repeated appeals for that kind of commemoration. After the 1914-18 war the suitable planting of highways was advocated as a very appropriate remembrance of men who gave their lives for their country. However, the people’s attention was mainly drawn to other memorials, but the call for trees is being heard again. For example, ,at Dargaville recently, the Mayor, Mr R. Gibson, commended a proposal that a tree should be planted in a section of the local park in honour of every man of the district who died for his country in the war. ‘I would, suggest,’-remarked Mr Gibson, ‘that the relatives of any deceased fighting man be entitled to choose a tree and to plant it at gatherings which might be held on Arbor Days.’ “For such purposes it may bo safely assumed that many local bodies will have land readily available. In other cases, no doubt, the generosity of private land-owners will meet the need. There are plenty to whom that kind of giving would strongly appeal. “A very good example is being sot in Auckland with a ‘Woodland of Remembrance,’ at the Whenuapai Air Base, to bo planted with trees from the countries where New Zealand airmen are serving in the war. Native trees are also being used with others in massed effects and in avenues which will give shelter as well as beauty to the grounds. “After the last war oak trees were planted in the Domain at Matamata as a memorial. At present there is a movement in the town for a far more impressive ‘living memorial,’ which will be a distinctive feature of the landscape. “It is very pleasing to read a report that public-spirited folk of Whangarei are busy with the project of an appropriate ‘living memorial’—a plantation of kowhai and pohutukawa—in honour of the late-Mr H. W. Crawford, a stalwart champion of trees, especially the majestic kauris, which are one .of the principal scenic assets of New Zealand. “These cases are a selection from a number which show good progress in the movement for ‘living memorial which help to strengthen a necessary tree-mindedness in New Zealand. “In 1938 I mentioned my belief that New Zealand’s best celebration of the Centennial would be in the development of national tree-mindedness, which would save the country from a repetition of blunders in the destruction of protective forests in high country—the disastrous mistakes which had opened the way to erosion. I remarked then that whatever' differences of opinion New Zealanders might have on political or industrial questions, they must be solidly united in saving the soil which yielded the needs of life. For that purpose there was only one platform for all parties—the platform of New Zealand itself. “Again I appeal to people to remember native birds in their planting of trees and shrubs,” concluded Mr Parry. “In many districts it would be easy to have tree highways for bell-birds and tuis or plantations of suitable trees—yielders of nectar or berries—reaching from towns to native forests. Here is unlimited scope for the beneficial cooperation of landholders. Indeed, in many localities, even' residents who have only comparatively small gardens can help in the planting which encourages tuis and bell-birds to visit them. That kind of planting brings the double boon of beauty melody.”