TREE-PLANTING

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24625, 23 July 1945, Page 4

TREE-PLANTING

SUGGESTION FOR WAR MEMORIALS STATEMENT BY THE HON. W. E. PARRY “Since last Arbor Day, nature has again impressed op New Zealanders the truth that they must become seriously tree-minded in the effort to check destructive erosion,” states the Minis* ter of Internal Affairs (the, Hon. W. E. Parry) in a message on Arbor Day, which ,will be celebrated on August 1. “Expert observers agree that mistakes of the past must be blamed for the heaviness of damage’by floods in Canterbury and " Otago. Each year brings its penalties for maltreatment of natural resources in some districts.

“There is encouraging evidence that people in town and country alike are appreciating the truth that their welfare is dependent on the saving of protective forests on the high lands and in replanting of areas which need cover.

“In this commonsense movement for self-preservation, people of the North, land deserve special mention. Some years ago public-spirited men and women of the region which has been called “Kauriland” began to take a keen interest in the necessary preservation of remnants of native forests and in further plantings. Their practical enthusiasm has brought good results.

"I am again hopeful that native trees will figure worthily 'in this year’s plantings, but this preference does not exclude the use of suitable trees of other countries of which some kinds are distinctly beautiful as well as useful. In the choice of trees for parks, reserves, or large private gardens in some localities, it is well to remember those which, furnish feasts of nectar for tuis and bellbfrds. '"'in this respect the Wanganui Acclimatisation Society has set a very good example with its many gifts of Australian redgums, which attract tuis with their ridily-nectared flowers. Various native trees and shrubs serve the same purpose. “With the conquest of Germany and the increasing progress of operations against Japan, the matter of war memorials is receiving attention in a number of towns. Although the time is not yet opportune *for decisions on the main memorials, appropriate action can be taken by any locality with the planting of trees as living memorials of individual soldiers or groups. Of course, some of this planting will be part of big plans in some places, but there is plenty of scope for action in a manner which will not clash with principal projects. ' “Again the Education Department, with the ca-operation of teachers throughout the Dominion, is taking its full share in the observance of Arbor Day. This participation, important as it is, is only a small part of the work done by many schools in planting of trees and shrubs, particularly in county districts." The educational authorities are doing their best to impress on the rising generation the lesson of tree-saving and tree-raising for nation-saving.” •