SCENERY CONSERVATION SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 132, 5 June 1900, Page 3

SCENERY CONSERVATION SOCIETY.

A meeting of the members of. the Auckland Scenery Conservation . Society was held yesterday afternoon in the Corporation Buildings, at which there were present: Messrs T. P. Cheeseman (who presided), Peyton, Courtney, Hay, Burt, Tibbs, Holt," Rev. W. Beatty, Rev. Dr. Purehas, Professor Thomas,, and the hon. secretary (Mr Allom). '

Birkenhead.—Mr 11. M. Shepherd forwarded a letter protesting against the decision of the Birkenhead Council to cut down certain trees on the public road, particularly at Birkdale. The secretary said he understood the trees were to be cut down for the benefit of the roads. Professor Thomas said it was quite possible the pines were too much shade for the good of the road. It was agreed that Mr Allom should make further enquiry into the matter and report.

Waitakerei Park.—The secretary reported that Mr Kensington had forwarded a tracing plan of the Waitakerei Public Park. Mr A. G. Allom also donated the report of the Survey Department, containing the report of the Chief Forester.

Committee.—Messrs W. J. Courtney, E. A. Mackechnie, H. B. Morton, Rev, Dr Purehas, and Rev W Beatty retired by ballot from the committee, but the secretary stated they are eligible for re-election at the annual meeting

Domain.—Mr Holt moved that the Council be asked to have certain imported trees cut out in the Domain that were injuring- native trees, also that the Society donate £10 towards the cost of the work, provided the Council contributed £ for £. Mr Courtney seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Planting Season.—The matter oj furnishing' information to the public as to the best class of trees and shrubs to be planted for ornamental purposes was next considered. Professor iThomas urged that if a list was. furnished some short description should be given. Mr Hay said a brief description might be given of the most suitable plants, but his aim had been to make* the list as short as possible. It was decided that the matter be left in the hands of Professor Thomas and Mr T. Cheeseman. Mr Hay asked that the list he had prepared should be handed back to him so that the two o-entletnen named could then prepare Sue of their own. Professor Thomas said Mr. Hay's list furbished valuable information that would be useful, but it was thought brief notes could be added which would be of value to the nublic. The mere recital of names ot plants conveyed very little to the average person. Rev. Beatty said it certainly had the appearance of picking Mr Hay's brains, and then putting him on one side. Mr Cheeseman explained the list would in the end have still to be submitted to the committee, of which Mr Hay was a member. It was thought that varieties specially recommended could be marked with an as■terisk. In the case of native plants the scientific name could be placed before the Maori one. Mr Hay said he WflS quite Satisfied, and the matter was allowed to drop. It was decided to hold the annual meeting of the Society on Monday, the Sth July at 4 p.m. Mr Beatty said he would iike to see something definite Tone by the Society, even if it was only a few square feet of ground beautified somewhere. The Society had given a good deal of advice, but had really done little of a. practical character so far He would like the Society to have something to show for the money expended Mr Courtney said the planting season was only just coming on, go Hiere was still time to do as .much ' they had funds available for. Mr Holt handed in the report of the Dunedin Scenery Conservation Society He pointed out that during the last five ?ears the Dunedin Society had expended £900 in beautifying the city.