Rangiora Oak Tree

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30146, 1 June 1963, Page 3

Rangiora Oak Tree

Sir, —All tree-lovens of Rangiora should take alarm and act immediately. The finest old oak in the borough —tihat one standing beside toe Anglican church has been marked for destruction by our borough council. This tree is over 80 years old; its spring foliage is undoubtedly one of the glorious sights of Rangiora and at all seasons its perfect symmetry enhances the beauty of the church, which is itself an architectural gem. Then why cut it down? “Because its leaves block the spouting of toe Sunday school.” To those of us who derive pleasure, inspiration, and elevation of toe spirit from toe contemplation of a beautiful tree grown to maturity, such arguments are so banal that one almost blushes for those who propound them. Let us all speak up to our Mayor, vicar, councillors and vestrymen, and prevent this vandalism while there is time. —Yours, etc., H. D. J. LOVELL-SMITH.

May 27. 1963. I The Mayor of Rangiora (Mr L. E. Farr) said: “In deciding to remove the oak tree the council has only acceded to the wish of the parishioners that the tree be removed. The council was informed that the leaves from the tree had caused flooding in the hall through the blocking of the spouting, and as extensive alterations and additions to the hall were contemplated, parishioners desired that the tree be removed before this work was commenced. This decision was made at a recent annual meeting of parishioners, and, after all, it is their property which is being adversely affected by the tree. The Rangiora Borough Council is not ‘anti-trees.’ and in fact at the same meeting at which the council agreed to the removal of the I oak tree, the council also decided to plant trees in one of the borough streets and will probably extend this planting in due course to other suitable streets in the borough."]