"THE PASSING OF THE AVON WILLOWS"

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20978, 5 October 1933, Page 14

"THE PASSING OF THE AVON WILLOWS"

to TUB EDITOR 02? TUB S'EESS. Sir, —Would I had, the gift to write a sonnet on "The Passing of the Willows," sufficiently powerful. and apt pealing to stir the hearts of the people of Christchurch and make them realise what the ruthless destruction and uprooting of the willows means to the beauty and charm of our river banks. Age and decay have necessitated the removal of many trees, but why not renew with young willows, instead of planting chestnuts and other trees, no doubt beautiful in their way, but more suitable for avenues or parks. The Avon willows are as equally beloved and- famous as our parks and gardens; in fact, I have known visitors to come to Christchurch in springtime specially to see' our willows in their exquisite fairy greenness. No other tree suits the flowing motion of a river, or affords the same drooping

shade. I do'not think anyone appreciates the flowering shrubs and trees more'' than I, and the sheer delight one experiences at the present time in wandering around our city and suburbs is indescribable, but I sadly deplore the empty spaces on the river banks, once graced by fine old willows. I have discussed this subject with a number of persons, and they feel as I do, that with the passing of the willows from the banks of the Avon, Christchiirch loses one of its most outstanding: beauties. I hope my appeal will not go unheeded and that sufficient, support will be forthcoming to make those in authority realise what the beauty of our river * banks means to us.—Yours, etc.,, WILLOW LOVER. October 4, 1933.