CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 151, 26 June 1912, Page 10

CORRESPONDENCE

BEAUTIFY THE CITY 10 THE IDITOm. Sir, — Allow me to tender you my humble thanks for that splendid article in your Saturday's paper entitled. "Plant a. Tree.'' A few more such would be beneficial, and perhaps stir our slumbering- public into activity. I also notice by your Friday's issue that the City Council intends taking a hand, and let us hope it will receive support. Most other towns in New Zealand can boast of a beautificatiou society, and their work is adding much to the attraction of towns like New Plymouth, Wanganui, Christchurch, «md Nelson. _ Sydney is paying great attention to the city's beautificatioii, and the people have found these little pleasing spots right in The heart of the city also serve the purpose as dust cleansers. If your euggestion were carried out, Wellington, without question, would be the most beautiful city in the Dominion, as nature provides for its adornment. Historic tree planting was a, method by -which the early pioneers marked the occasion of some notable event in the country's progress, and almost, every tree bo readilj cut down, in front ot the Old Parliament House, and tho*e now being removed at the present Parliament House, stood as living memory of the past.' Mr. Bryoe, when at the Council Chamber the other day, spoke truly when he eaid we owed much to the wisdom pi those, excellent men of the past, who laid such a splended foundation and example* for the present generation to work upon. And still we muddle on without so much as a thought of those old Empire-builderß, and even when some generous person wishes to keep evergreen the name of the one man that helped secure New Zealand as a link of the British Empire, we find people narrow-minded enough to oppose it. It is due to such people that we have no true history of 'Wellington, or even of New Zealand. Therefore, let us begin as "Eareye" BUggesiß, and mark the occasion next Arbor Day by starting t, plantation that will be worthy a name. I' do hope that the schoolmasters of Wellington will take the matter up, for, by what better method could they teach the children of the mere existence of such nbbl* men, now dead, but leaving behind them a, system of education that at as an example to our nation — free to the most humble and the fortunate alike. Concluding, I again thank you, and am pleased to see that one man in AVellingtwA exists who appreciates the hardships gone through, and the magnificent gifts left behind to comfort us on our present journey onwards.— -I am, etc., , AJAX. 24th June. 10 IXZ IDITOtt, Sir, — Treoplanting is all the talk just now, as at has been prior to Arbor Day for the last few years, but words do not plant trees, neither will they care for them after they aro planted. Like yourself I should be pleased to see something practical done this season, althongh it is rather late to organise a, great movement now; yet there is at least time to make a. start. With this in. view I should like to point out that some years ago a road was formed from the top of Constable-street in the direction of Mount Victoria, and it is fast falling into disrepair. Now, if treeplanting operations were confined^ to the sides of this Toad, it would in time become one of the most beautiful in Wellington, ©f course, it would take time and patience to produce this result, and too much should not be expected at first, but it would be something done, even if we only planted a few chains each- year. I am sure there are hundreds of people in this city who would be only too pleased to give- one or more trees, and many who would subscribe towards the expense of erecting suitable guards around the trees, to protect them from the horses and cattle which" graze on the Town Belt. Amongst these people there are also a- number of enthusiasts (sometimes called cranks) who would esteem it a favour to be allowed to assist in the planting, and who would also help to keep that portion of the road in repair, if the City Council would give them the necessary authority and encouragement. I would suggest that you make an appeal — through your columns — for trees and money for the above object ; the trees to be handed in to some central depot, from now up to Arbor Day. These trees — together with any which the City Council might bo able to supply — to be subsequently divided into two lots, which might be plaited (under proper supervision) by two volunteer parties, one working from the city end the other from Constable-street, and the yearly competition which should ensue would soon show practical results. In conclusion, may I quote the words of another: "A thousand words make less impression than the footprint of one deed.'' Should you act on this suggestion, the Arbor Day holiday will not be the usual farce, and then Government employees and others will not be again accused of taking a holiday under false pretences. ( —I am, etc., JOHN CASTLE. Newtown, 24th June.