Rangiora Oak Tree

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30154, 11 June 1963, Page 3

Rangiora Oak Tree

Sir, —Having seen the tree and the picture in the North Canterbury edition of “The Press,” I consider it is too close to the building for beauty and should be removed and a lauristinas shrub planted in its place, but further away. The plant I suggest is evergreen, has small leaves, and blossoms twice a year—in February and August—and does not grow high enough for its leaves to block the spouting.—Yours, etc., R.H.J. June 8, 1963.

Sir. —As one who has admired the splendid beauty of the oak tree outside St. John’s Parish Hall for many years, may I add my plea to those who would preserve this landmark? A senior officer of the Forestry Service a few years ago • gave his opinion that the tree was good for another 200 years, during which the diameter of the trunk would increase only a few inches, while the spread of the branches had already reached its fullest extent. An architect, also, considered the tree an asset rather than a liability to the general appearance of the building. The leaves and acorns which have at times blocked the spoutings have been • gladly removed by volunteer workers, who have been reminded by the glory of this tree of those eternal values which are all too easily forgotten in this modern world. —Yours, etc., HERITAGE.

June 8. 1963. [This correspondence may now cease.—Ed., “The Press.”]