CITY’S WASTE LANDS

Evening Star, Issue 19407, 16 November 1926, Page 4

CITY’S WASTE LANDS

UTILISATION BY AFFORESTATION Afforestation on a more extensive scale by the City Council is being urged by the Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with other bodies in the city. At last night’s meeting of the council of the chamber Mr Campbell reported that, at the invitation of the City Council, Mr J. R. Waters, the father of the chamber’s afforestation scheme, Mr G. Crowe, Mr F. J. Shortt, and himself, representing the_ chamber and the Manufacturers’ Association, had visited that afternoon the Silverstreara area, near Whare Flat. Reports would bo made by the other delegates. Mr G. Crowe said the trip proved an interesting one indeed. Great progress had been made there. The first place visited was just behind Flagstaff, and later Whare Flat. Within the next ten to fifteen years the trees would be coming into profit. Mr F. J. Shortt said all the visitors woro struck with the work the city was doing. It had, however, been “ compelled,” and the afforestation should be continued on a more extensive scale. Mr Campbell said a great portion of the area had been covered in fern. _ Mr I). Tannock had informed the visitors that the area had been cut with qdzes and trees planted. The trees had smothered the fern, which was now extinct. The growth was wonderful without any cultivation. What they had seen was a great surprise and education. A further vjgit was arranged for this afternoon to the Leith Valley and watershed plantation, and Mr Campbell extended an invitation to all members of the council to attend.

The band in a small town had just finished a vigorous but not over-harmonious selection As they .eat perspiring in their seats after bowing for the applause the trombonist asked hoarsely; “What’s the nest one?” “The ‘Maiden’s Prayer,’” answered the leader, consulting his programme.. Go away,” . ejaculated the trombonist.. “ That’s what IjV® just been playing!”