SPARE THAT TREE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 16

SPARE THAT TREE.

GUMS AT MATAMATA.

ACTION BY POWER BOARD

PROTEST TO MR. SAVAGE,

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

MATAMATA, Friday.

Concern was expressed by the Matamata Beautifying Society on Thursday evening when a resident advised that Thames Valley Power Board employees were proceeding to cut down the tall gums, which the society planted some eight or nine years ago as the first , part of a scheme to beautify this area and to provide shelter for the eastern area of Matamata from the cold south winds.

The question of cutting the trees has been the subject of correspondence between the Matamata Domain Board and the Lands Department, and the contention of the former, supported by the Beautifying Society, that the Power Board, had no locus standi, in that the property was vested in the Crown and that its intention to cut the trees was ultra vires, owing to the fact that the Power Boards Act could not bind the Crown, was sustained by the Lands Department, and the Powoi Board advised of the position. As the correspondence had not been completed, officials of the society were amazed at the action taken and immediately got into touch with the Mayor, Mr. W. A. Gordon, who strongly supported their protest and authorised the dispatch of the follgwing telegram to the Prime Minister, the Et. Hon. M. J. Savage:—

"Thames Valley Power Board is overriding public riglite and chopping trees to-day on town belt in Ma'amata. This domain lands question has been subject of correspondence with Minister of Lands for some weeks. Solicit your immediate support."

The following telegram was sent to the Minister of Dhnds, the Hon. F. Langstone: "Have you sanctioned trees in Matamata town belt, subject of correspondence with yourself, being cut by Power Board employees to-day? We resent this as an affront to yourself. Car. immediate action be taken?"