CITY BEAUTIFICATION

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 5, 1 October 1935, Page 6

CITY BEAUTIFICATION

Wellington Society’s Work

Reviewed MUCH ALREADY DONE As last night’s meeting of the Wellington Beautifying Society marked the close of tho 1935 planting season, the president, Captain 8. Holm, took opportunity to review the newly-formed organisation’s activities. , To-day the membership of the society is 202, and funds in hand exceed expenditure by £l5O.

"During the three months under review good work has been accomplished and much more planned,” the president said. “The rhododendron dell has been planted with 110 shrubs and others are being donated. This dell should prove an added attraction to the Botanical Gardens. For the work done in connection with the dell the thanks, of the public are due to Mr, T. E. Y. Seddon and his enthusiastic committee. "The planting on the Hutt Road has exceeded expectations, 5824 trees having been planted there. This portion of the society’s activities is under the direct care of .Mr, D. Bowie’s committee and the results are very satisfactory. The children’s tree-planting scheme, which is under the control of Mr. H. H. Miller’s' committee, has commenced exceedingly well, 114 trees having been planted in prominent parts of the city, each tree bearing the donor’s name. “To Mr. G. C. Beckett and his committee great credit is due for their endeavours to have Somes Island opened to the public. So far success has not crowned their efforts, but the matter will be’ further pursued.. They _ have achieved more success with Rainbow island (Island Bay), where a commencement of beautilication has been made, 20 trees having been planted. "Planting on the Marine Drive has not been possible this year as certain formalities had to be disposed of before the land was available, but Mr. R. L. Mac Alister and his committee will have this section ready for planting at the commencement of the next season. "Mr. D. Grocott’s committee is endeavouring to arrange for tree-planting on Aotea Quay, soon to be an outlet for Wellington’s traffic, and Mr. H. b. B. Fletcher’s committee has proposals for the beautifying of the cemeteries. When citizens become conscious of the improvements effected and realise the immense scope available for this society’s activities, they will, I feel sure, rise to the occasion and come forward more readily with financial assistance, which so far has been disappointing. "We regret to record the destruction of trees at the northern end of Tinakori Road and the north side of Kelburn framivay track. We trust that increasing civic pride will' prevent any further acts of vandalism, "To the garden circle of the Pioneer Club, who have planted their own section and care for it, we tender our thanks, and also do we express our gratitude to our many friends who have donated money and trees to the good cause. To Mr. J. W. Matthews for giving space in the magazine, ‘New Zealand Flower Grower,’ we are deeply indebted. His work is greatly appreciated. This report would, not be complete without acknowledging the vast amount of time and labour devoted by Mrs. Knox Gilmer and our honorary secretary, Mr. 11. H. Stiller, and the valuable Advice aiid assistance given by Mr. J. G. MacKenzie, who has gratuitously supervised the society’s planting activities, with the sanction of the City Council, who have heartily co-operated with and facilitated our work.”