THE BIGGEST RESERVE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 33, 8 August 1933, Page 8

THE BIGGEST RESERVE

PLANTING' THE BELT

COMPLETE IN FOUR YEARS

One section of the report made to the reserves committee of .the City Council by the Director of Reserves yesterday afternoon emphasised the great value to tho city of the Town Belt. The area today, said Mr. MacKehzie, is 1006 acres, and the value placed upon the Town Belt as land is upwards of £200,000. "This great breathing space of the city, while reduced by many encroachments, is still its most valuable asset," he continued. "Extending from Roseneath to Wadestown, there are unlimited possibilities for development, of the Town Belt, and. it will remain a monument for all time to the founders of this city. " "Twenty years ago the Town Belt was given over to grazing, and gorse and broom were its most prominent features. Its appearance gave visitors the opportunity to reproach Wellington as being a treeless city. That gibe, is now a thing of the past. Year by year areas have been cleared of'noxious weeds, and planted with native , and exotic trees, and.shrubs. • Paths have been formed, and fire breaks provided. These- embryo plantations are now established and do well, and they will in time give the whole city a parklike aspect. The ■ Town'Belt,-so long a reproach, will yet be the pride of the citizens. The dream of the late Dr. Newman will become a reality."' Pines had been' planted as'-nurse trees to , the slower growing natives, and over 50,000 pohutakawas had been planted within the last'ten years,- as well as many thousand-of other' native trees, which are doing welt' This year another 40,000 trees will be; planted. "Within four years the main planting of the belt should be completed, and the only work should be fhe routine upkeep, and the gradual" elimination of the pines as the slower growing trees come forward," said Mr. Ma«Kenzie, "The great danger here is fire, which must be guarded against in every way." ■ .