BEAUTIFYING WORK

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 204, 26 May 1936, Page 6

BEAUTIFYING WORK

Wellington Society’s Activities A review of the work undertaken by the society since its inception was given at tbe meeting of the executive of the Wellington Beautifying Society held last evening. The attention of those present was drawn to a line estate at present for sale on what is known as Johnson’s Hill, Karori, by Jlr. Fletcher, who requested that some movement be started to obtain this property as a scenic reserve. Tlie property, which has an area of 70 acres, contains specimens of nearly every native tree, which, considering that it is only three miles from the heart of the city, should be a great incentive to its purchase. An added attraction, stated Mr. Fletcher, was the outstanding view to be obtained from the top of the hill. An assurance had been given by the owner, it was stated, that though there were several inquiries for the purchase of the property, no action would be taken until the society had been informed of the intended disposal. A committee consisting of Messrs. Fletcher, Pennington and Jluire was set up to go .further into the matter, and endeavour to obtain the area for a Government reserve, or as a corporation park. Jlention of the recent essay competition conducted in connection with the Island Bay carnival was made, it being decided that in addition to the prizes donated by Jlrs. Knox Gilmer, each child submitting an entry be asked to plant a tree, and also be elected a member of the society. In connection with the beautification .of Somes Island, it was ascertained that very little headway has been made, although arrangements have been put in baud for a visit to the island by ministers of the Crown, representatives of the Bird and Forest Protection Society, and members of the Beautifying Society, when a' correct idea of the position would be obtained. The excellent support given to the society by the Wellington Meat Exporting Company, which owns a great deal of the land bordering the Hutt Road, was very much appreciated by members of the society, and a motion was passed requesting that a letter of appreciation be written to the company thanking it for its offer to permit the planting of trees 20 yards back from the boundary, and also for its offer of financial assistance in the provision of trees. $ Bay reserve was the subject of much strong comment, and it was decided that the reserves committee be written to asking that work be put in hand to improve the surroundings of the bay. The trees planted by . the society last year were reported to be doing very well, and it was hoped that the public interest would be sufficiently aroused to enable the amount of work to be increased this year. A favourable report on the condition of the trees and young flax plants planted on the island at Island Bay was received, while the fine condition of the trees on the Hutt Road was very much appreciated. Beside tlie usual Arbor Day celebrations to be held on 2\.ugust 5, when trees will be planted principally at Point Halswell, it was decided that June 17 should be set aside for a special planting day to mark the opening of the planting season. It is proposed that the ceremony should take place on the Hutt Road, where nearly 3(N) trees will be planted. The annual meeting of the society was fixed for 'Tuesday, June IG, 1936.