AMENITIES SOCIETY RESENTS COUNCILLOR’S REMARKS ABOUT TREES

Evening Star, Issue 26155, 17 July 1947, Page 10

AMENITIES SOCIETY RESENTS COUNCILLOR’S REMARKS ABOUT TREES

Criticism, of remarks made by Cr Ireland at the last meeting of the City Council concerning the trees in Royal Terrace, in which lie said that he hoped “ the council won’t try to perpetuate this liability, for the roots of these trees cause hundreds of pounds of damage to footpaths and kerbs,” was made at the monthly meeting of the Dunedin Amenities Society. The discussion followed the report of the secretary that he had received several protests from residents in the vicinity. It was nearly 10 years since the City Council had decided to remove the trees because a number of diseased trees were dying and others interfering with street wires, said the chairman. Mr George Simpson. He understood that a meeting of residents had been held at that time, and a promise had been received that if the trees were removed, a grassy strip would be laid down on both sides of the road and an avenue of smaller trees planted. “It is obvious,” said Mr Rupert Fountain, “that Cr Ireland has not {ravelled very far, or he would realise the value of street trees.” Mr A C. Cameron asked if. in view of Cr Ireland’s hostility to tree planting, the society could count on the present council honouring a promise made by its predecessors. The remarks were ill-timed, and indicated a lack of sympathy with one of the major jobs of the reserves department, said other speakers. Jt was agreed on the motion of Messrs W. P. Birchall and A.' C. Cameron that the City Council be reminded of its promise to replant an avenue of trees in Royal Terrace when the present trees were removed. When Mrs H. L. Cook asked why all the present trees should be removed since some of them were very beautiful, the Chairman said that he agreed with her, but the fact remained that some of the trees were dying, and others had been badly hacked about by Government and corporation linesmen. A decision had been, reached that in the interests of everyone concerned it was advisable to remove them all and replant non-suckering and smaller-growing trees. A motion by Mrs Cook that the society urge the City Council to leave the remaining sound trees until after centennial year, was seconded by Dr McLinfock, and carried.