TREES IN TARANAKI

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 97, 7 April 1934, Page 6

TREES IN TARANAKI

Pukekura Park Ceremony Within the shadow of a giant pinus radiata, towering more than 120 ft., which he planted 58 years ago, Mr. R. C. Hughes yesterday planted a kauri tree in Pukekura Park, New Plymouth. It was an occasion probably unique in New Zealand.

At the age of 85 years Mr. Hughes has not only seen the park develop from its more primitive state to its present-day excellence, but has also taken a continuously active part in its control. As a member of the Taranaki Provincial Council it was he who in 187§ moved that the sections remaining unsold should be set aside for botanical gardens. He was a foundation member of the Park Board and has sat on it since then.

The tree which Mr. Hughes planted as a sapling nearly 60 years ago is to-day estimated to contain about 4000 feet of timber. In close proximity to it, overlooking the head of the lower lake, are four companions, all placed there in 1876—a rimu planted by Mrs. M. A. Hughes, a puriri by Mr. Robert Hughes, a yew by Mrs. T. K, Skinner, and a Norfolk Island pine by Mr. Thomas Colson. These trees commemorate in a magnificent manner the growth of the park throftgh the years.