ARBOR DAY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4230, 15 October 1935, Page 5

ARBOR DAY.

A DAY OUT FOR THE CHILDREN

The decision of the Queenstown Borough Council to celebrate Arbor Day on the Peninsula this year was indeed a happy one. Apart from the suitability of the Peninsula for afforestation purposes, it proved a splendid picnicking ground. With such a prospect, combined with excellent weather conditions, a lake trip and a school holiday, Arbor Day probably proved more attractive than it ever has to the children as well as to the adults. The putting of the plan into execution was largely due to the generosity of the launch proprietors, Messrs H. Tomkies and J. Edgar, who made very appreciable concessions to the Arbor Day Committee. At 11 a.ra. the Muratai and Kelvin left their moorings with their precious cargoes, comprising upwards of 160 passengers (mostly children of the two local schools). The journey was a short one, and though the water was choppy enough beyond the beacon to make the timid ones a little apprehensive of an attack of mat de mer, the masters of both crafts piloted their vessels with their accustomed care, and all was well. Round into the Frankton Arm they swung, and finally berthed at the landing at the Slip. All were safely disembarked, and the party soon spread out on the foreshore. The spot was very sheltered from the wind and everyone basked in the glorious sunshine. Bohemian Battiu who, with the dayman, Mr A. Alloy, and others, had gone over to the Peninsula earlier, had the “billy” on the boil, and it was decided to partake of refreshments before commencing the treeplanting. Baskets were soon unpacked. and an abundance of tea, milk, and sugar was provided free. The trip across seemed to put an edge on the appetite, for all indulged in a hearty meal. The party then undertook the walk over to the opposite end of the Peninsula, where some GOO holes had been dug to accommodate the young gum trees, which had been secured in the vicinity of the Twomile. Children and adults entered into the planting operations with eagerness, and, generally speaking, the work was satisfactorily performed. In this area a large number of Ponderosa trees procured from Rotorua and Hamner were planted some years ago, but, unfortunately largely through the time taken in transport and the drought, they did not live. It is hoped, however, that the, young gums, which are in a wirenetted enclosure, will be given a better chance of striking.

When the .planting was over t steps were retraced, and in a convenient spot a generous programme oi children’s sports was carried out. Mill. W. Miller, who was “chancellor of the exchequer,” had so arranged the prizes that every child received a coin or so.

A return was subsequently made to the “slip,” where refreshments were again partaken of. Finally each child, and even adults, received a small bag of sweets.

The launches were then made ready for the return trip, the home landing being reached about 5 p.m. The success of the day must be attributed largely to the consideration of business people in giving the Committee "cuts” on their purchases; to the liberal concessions made by the launch proprietors; and to generous cash donations received. Among many willing workers who carried out the arrangements, mention should be made of Mr and Mrs J. W. Wallace who were untiring in their e(Torts to make the day a pleasant one. Messrs S. Aburn, A. Scheib. 0. M. Inglis and Misses Elsie Fraser and S'. McKinnon also rendered valuable assistance.