APPROACHES TO CITY

Evening Star, Issue 22687, 29 June 1937, Page 7

APPROACHES TO CITY

BEAUTIFYING BY TREE PLANTING COMPHEHEKSIVE SCHEME SUGGESTED COMSiDEBATIQH BY AMITIES SO6SETY A comprehensive scheme for the beautifying of the approaches, from north and south, to Dunedin by the planting of native and introduced trees, the removal of unsightly old buildings, and the clearing away of gorsc and broom now hiding pretty views, was submitted to the Amenities Society at the annual meeting yesterday afternoon by Mr David Tannock. ' Mr Tannock said it was very satisfactory to observe on a recent tour of the North Island the attempts, not always successful, to beautify the roads leading into and through the towns and villages. If the, scheme envisaged by the Governor-General, when he planted a tree last year, of' an avenue from the North Cape to Bluff were to be carried out that the co-operation of the county councils was necessary would be very evident. Tree planting was considered the best method of commemorating the Coronation in England, where special committees advised the local bodies on how and where the trees should bo planted. Trees could be planted not only for beauty, but for special interest. All knew of the difficulty of getting trees established along public parks, as children damaged them; hut sentiment could protect the trees, Mr Tannock instancing the v.-ar memorial trees planted at the Gardens reserve, on which not one branch had been broken.

The committee appointed by the society, and consisting of Mrs Mackie Begg, Mrs Cook, and himself, had inspected the roads from KJlmog in the north to Milbnrn in the south, and reported tho following:—

That there is a distinct need for tho beautifying of the roadsides on the approach to,Dunedin from both the north and south, and we consider that there are ample opportunities for doing so in two distinct ways. (a) By the removal of the undesirable growth of broom and gorse in places where there are signs of neglect, where other and more desirable growth uould he established, and where they are shutting out beautiful and desirable views of hills, harbour, city, lakes, and rich agricultural land. (b) By the planting of ornamental trees and shrubs either as avenues, single specimens, or in groups.

It was agreed that it was not desirable to mix up the native and introduced vegetation, and that it would be desirable to limit the planting of the North road from Normanby to the Evansdale Glen almost entirely to natives. They considered that the soil and moisture conditions and the general contour of the country were more suitable for natives, mainly because there was a considerable amount of native vegetation there at present, and that could be extended by the planting of the more desirable species, such as kowhais, ratas, pohutukawas, clianthus, coloured manukas, senecios, olearias, veronicas, _ cabbage trees, beech, flax and toi-toi, ribbomvoods, pseudopanax, rere ware was, and brachyglottis, etc. The conditions in the south wore quite different as to soil and moisture, and it was felt that they would he more suitable for introduced trees. The introduced trees would have to be wellgrown specimens, the branches of which would be out of reach of cattle. They -would have to be securely staked, and in somo cases protected by guards and fences. They would, in places, have to be planted as single specimens, but wherever the space on the roadside was sufficient in width they should be planted in groups of from three to five or more. Where the road passed through villages and boroughs where they could reasonably expect somo cooperation in the care and maintenance of the trees, they should plant kinds which flower or have autumn tints and fruits, and in every case they should be deciduous because evergreens would shade the roads, and gardens. DERELICT BUILDINGS. “ With reference to the> elimination of what is ugly or undesirable, there are a number of old derelict buildings on the roadside which are not things of beauty, and are long past being useful in any way, which we think should be removed. They breed vermin such as rats, and are a menace to good residences in the neighbourhood. There are also a number of macrocarpa hedges and old stunted trees which are not necessary for shelter, ’but which are cutting off ■ beautiful views. This is specially the case on Mount Cargill, from which most delightful glimpses of tho harbour can be obtained. There are also a few old pine and macrocarpa trees which are long past their period of youth and beauty and which could also be removed with advantage.” Beginning at Evansdale Glen, the committee considered that a few flowering trees such as somo species or variety of primus, pyrus, or crataesrus should be planted in the village. Between Evansdale mid Waitati the road ran alongside the railway line, and from it there was a good view of Waitati Inlet and tho hills beyond. At places where the water approaches the road they thought groups of cabbage trees or various kinds of flax and toi-tois could be planted. There were also a few knobs where kowhais and ratas would be suitable. Through the Waitati village pruuus Pissardii would be effective with cherries, 'and lie was pleased to report that tile gardening and motor circles of the Women’s Club had promised to provide the necessary trees. On the way up at a bend above the school there was a large golden willow

tree which was very beautiful at all times, but especially during the winter, 'liiey considered that a few of the little gullies on the low side of the road could be planted with other golden willows. The consent of the owner of the land would hay© to be obtained, but they felt that, if approached in the right way, this would be forthcoming. At suitable positions on the way up to the crest of the hill there were quite a number of places where native wees and be planted, care being taken not to obscure the view at the corners and bends. In many places broom had sprung up on the roadside, and they noted men going along slashing indiscriminately both it and the native plants. There was a particularly line patch of native bush near the water trough which should be preserved at all costs, and a careful watch should be kept on it. On the top of the hill it was felt that there should be no planting which would in any way shut out the views of the harbour, and on the other side keep the sun olf the road, which was frequently frozen during the winter. WORK ABOVE NORMANBY. Within the city boundary and down to Nonnanby there were not many opportunities for planting, but at a few bends where the road had been straightened something could be done. In front of the Upper Junction School a row of ratas and kowhais could be planted, and it was felt that there the children would protect them. Coming further down, there were a number of patches which could be planted with kowhais and coloured manukas, but as they were in most cases on the roadline at one time, the soil was mqinly yellow clay and road metal. It would be necessary to remove this to a depth of 2ft, provide drainage, and fill up with good soil. Fortunately, they were able to obtain soil for the carting from near by, and the main cost would be cartage. Fencing of a permanent and substantial nature would also be necessary to protect the trees for: at least 10 years. It was estimated that* this work might cost about £IOO, but would be worth while, and in time a special feature. Continuing from Caversham tram terminus, a few flowering trees could be planted at intervals on the zig zag up to Lookout Point. From there to Clarendon there were ample opportunities for planting flowering trees through Green Island in the several villages, and autumn tints and other ornamental trees as single specimens where the space at the roadside was narrow, a group where it was wider, and, in places where road deviation had taken place, larger groups of the smaller ornamental trees, such as mountain ash. silver birch, and wild cherries could bo planted. The planting of trees to commemorate a great occasion was now well recognised, and,- though a bit late, the planting of the kowhai groves on the North road could he named Coronation Groves, and there should be some cere-' xnony in connection with the planting. ON THE SOUTH ROAD, The main features of the planting of the Main South roadside were to plant mountain ash on patches where the road was straightened up above the abattoirs, and a row of trees alongside th» paddocks. Near the factory of Reid and Gray and the Iron Roiling Mills there were opportunities for planting which the owner of these properties would no doubt take advantage were some advice and assistance given. ’ Where there were opportunities ornamental trees should be planted through Green Island. Planting through Fairfield and round Shiel’s Brick Works was also suggested. On the hill up and down over the Chain Hills there were few opportunities for planting, but, where there were, native trees should ho planted on this section. On the hillside going towards the branch off to Mosgicl the country had slipped, and it was felt that silver poplars would be effective. Through Riccarton there was another opportunity for planting flowering trees. From Riccarton to Allanton there were many opportunities for planting, sometimes on one side and sometimes on the other. Near Allanton there were several patches where the road had been straightened. These provided opportunities for planting larger groups of ornamental trees, such as mountain ash, cherries, birch, etc., Mr Tannock said the opinion of the committee was that the planting from the Upper Junction to Normanby should be carried out first, and that materia] for the other sections should be collected. NATIVE TREES ADVOCATED. ~ _ “ When one talks of flowering cherries and oaks from Windsor Park, it leaves mo cold,” said Mr George Simpson. “ Why cannot we plant New Zealand trees? Native trees do not grow her© because they are not planted. Why should visitors from other parts of the world com© to New Zealand to see the trees of their own country? They should see New Zealand trees. In my opinion, the native trees should be planted in the city and country, as a line of kowhais would be as beautiful as a_ lino of poplars or flowering cherries.” Mr R. S. Black said* he would guarantee that 10 per cent, of New Zealanders could not identify their own trees. The president (Mr Crosby Morris), thanking the committee, said the report would b© discussed by the executive.