BEAUTIFYING HIGHWAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20249, 8 May 1929, Page 13

BEAUTIFYING HIGHWAY

THE GREAT SOUTH ROAD.

SCHEME FOR TREE-PLANTING

REFERENCE TO LOCAL BODIES

A comprehensive tree planting scheme prepared by Mr. D. Hay was submitted to a meeting of the Great South Road Beautifying Council at Otahuhu last evening. The following bodies were represented :—Auckland Automobile Association, Papakura and Papatoetoe Beautifying Societies, One Tree Hill Road Board, Papatoetoe, Papakura and Manurowa Town Boards, Manukau County Council, New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, the Institute of Surveyors and the Institute of Architects.

Tho chairman, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said the council had £73 available for grants to local bodies willing to improve the frontages to the concrete road. Mr. Hay furnished a detailed report covering each section of the highway to Papakura, and recommending planting according to contour and soil conditions. Among the suggested plants and trees were rock lily, pohutukawa, eucalyptus, yellow kowliai, ever-green oak, weeping willow and maple. Mr. Hay reported that the Japanese cherry had proved too difficult to cultivate.

. It was decided to bring the recommendations under the notice of the local bodies concerned. It was reported that the Town Planning Association, the One Tree Hill Road Board and the Ellerslie Town Board were in accord with the council's scheme to improve the apex of the triangle between the Great South Road and the EllershePanmure Road, at present occupied by a disused forge. It was to endeavour to inspect the section with the Minister of Lands next week. It was stated several property owners were willing to adopt tree planting programmes, and an offer from a member of the council of 160 trees was acknowledged. Mr G W. Hutchison was re-elected chairman, and Mr. F. H. Leonard was appointed vice-chairman. Mr. H. Urierson was appointed to the executive committee.