EXHIBITION GROUNDS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 129, 24 February 1939, Page 10

EXHIBITION GROUNDS

Scheme Of Tree-Planting Adopted POHUTUKAWAS ROUND OUTER WALLS A plan of arboreal decoration for the Centennial Exhibition grounds has been approved and placed in the hands of the director of parks and reserves in Wellington, Mr. J. G. MacKenzie. It piovides for an extensive planting of trees to veil the exterior walls of the main structures. To cover the proposed area Mr. MacKenzie has estimated that COO pohutukawas will be required. These trees will be from 12 to 15 feet rn height when planted, so that by the time the exhibition is opened in November they will make a fair show, and, given favourable conditions, they should ad be in blossom at Christmas time. It has been estimated that for this work and other lawns and gardens 12,000 cubic feet of soil will be required. It is expected that the building operations will be sufficiently forward by the end of May to allow the landscape gardeners to do their work without interference. Apart from the tree-planting jusl outside the outer walls there will be garden plots and shrubs in tubs lining the sides of the large open spaces between the main wings of the building facing the sound shells. These will be so placed, well away from the centre of the spaces, as not to be in the way of people assembled to listen to the band concerts given in one or other of the sound shells. Pohutukawas are also to be planted on the outside of the semi-circular British courts, separate buildings near the Kingsford Smith Street entrance. In the case of the Australian court, trees of national signi finance may be planted to give individu ality to the display. Symmetrical gar den' plots and lawns will be provided for the spaces in between these courts. If the season proves favourable, Mr. MacKenzie hopes to begin planting the pohutukawas toward the end of May, in the hope that the whole of the exterior trees will be in the ground by the end of June at the latest. The green of these trees, an'd the scarlet blossoms at Christmas time, should look pleasant against the cream-toned walls of the exhibition. Once the planting campaign is begun men will be employed in the grounds continuously watering and caring for the trees, and preparing the garden plots.