Early Christchurch

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31027, 5 April 1966, Page 16

Early Christchurch

Sir,—l have noted the authorities cited by Mrs France in reply to my letter. It is unfortunate that she has been misled by inaccuracies in the official history of the

Botanic Gardens, entitled “A Garden Century.” To think that a publication such as this should refer to Samuel Bealey, Provincial] Superintendent, as "Thomas Bealey”! As to her second authority, this asserts that Dr. Barker planted the first bluegum in Christchurch. The claim finds no confirmation in the public lecture delivered in Christchurch in 1864 by William Wilson, when he described the introduction of trees, flowers, and fruits into Canterbury up to that time. He had in his audience some of our leading naturalists, such as T. H. Potts and J. F. Armstrong, who had succeeded Enoch Barker as Government Gardener. His lecture was so highly regarded that it was published in the “Southern Provinces Almanac” of 1865. —Yours, etc.. R. C. LAMB. April 3, 1966.