ARBOR DAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 226, 22 August 1935, Page 9

ARBOR DAY

AT HOKOWHITU SCHOOL. SEVEN TREES PLANTED. Arbor Day was fittingly celebrated at the Hokowhitu School yesterday afternoon, when seven trees were added to the school’s already extensive plantation, one of the number being a well-grown English oak which was planted to commemorate the King’s Jubilee. Although the weather conditions were somewhat uncertain, a good number of parents assembled at the school, where the upper classes were paraded at the foot of the rise overlooking the tennis courts. Mr P. V. Burns, chairman of the School Committee, explained that it was intended to plant seven trees, one of which —a Norfolk pine—had been generously donated by Mr AV. V. Kingsbeer, who had always been a valued supporter of the school. He asked the children to faithfully care for them, for in years to come they would prove of value as shelter trees. Bv adding the trees to those already gracing the grounds, the present committee were merely carrying on the splendid example set by their predecessors under the direction of such gentlemen as Messrs J. T. Heatley, W. S. Woodroofe and G. D. Pattle. “TREE-MINDEDNESS.”

Mr J. J. Stevenson, agricultural master at the Boys’ High School, in addressing the children on “TreeMindedness,” took tho opportunity to congratulate them on the school’s beautiful environments and the members of the committee who had made it possible for the school to be awarded a first-class certificate. Proceeding, the speaker explained that he would prefer to see Arbor Day called “Tree Day,” just as a day for the study of birds was called “Bird Day,” for he questioned the wisdom 01 using the Latin word arbor for tree. He would also prefer the slogan on that dav to be “Grow a tree,” not “Plant a tree,” for it was necessary not only to take the preliminary step of planting the tree, but to care for it during its growth and to noto its development and assist in its growth. “New Zealand is very different today from what it was when the first white man came here, say 90 or 100 years ago,” continued Air Stevenson, “for the plant covering has been almost entirely changed in order to make room for agricultural development. Your forefathers came with axe, firestick and machinery. It is now admitted that too great a deforestation has taken place, for in 100 years wc have practically removed the whole of the forest of this island, and the greater part of the forests of the South Island. By the removal of the trees from the hillsides, so has the protection of the land surfaces been taken away, with the result that the rain beating upon it carries away tho soil which is to-day silting up the rivers. Further, it has brought a decrease of bird life but increased the injurious insects. In the hands of the children of to-day lie the conservation and care of our forests; and they are one of our greatest assets.”

In conclusion the speaker enumerated how trees lived, and the nature of their food, and expressed the hope that the Jubilee oak would be well and truly -planted and signal a full measure of peace and prosperity tc the Empire. PLANTING THE TREES. The task of planting the seven trees was then undertaken, the memorial oak being planted by David Purvey, the youngest bey in tile school, while a board in green lettering on a white background was placed in position by Mr Burns to commemorate tho occasion. At the pupils circled the tree a verse of the National Anthem was sung under the direction of the acting headmaster, Air C. Haydon. To the classes from Standards 1 to 6 was then deputed the task of planting the other trees on the eastern boundary at the rear of the school, tho youngest member in each class having the honour of planting a tree, those so honoured being Juliet Dean, Hugh Shields, Paul, ino Huntingdon, Cara Ornberg, Jack Bedinglield and Enid Richardson.

AT COLLEGE STREET

AIEAIORIAL ELAI PLANTED

Arbor Day was also observed at the College Street School, where a memorial weeping elm was planted at (Ire front of the school as part of the beautification scheme being carried out by the committee in the new grounds, the planting of the tree being performed by the school prefects, Edith Kemp, Josephine Judd, Margaret Boyd, Atclly Duckworth, Jack Blummont, Jack Nant, Norman Pegden, and Gordon Pearson.

Prior to the tree being placed in position, the children were assembled in the old school, where they were addressed by Air A. AV. Just, who spoke on the deforestation which had resulted from the activities of man, and the need for replacement. The speaker detailed in simple terms the effect which deforestation had had upon bird and insect life, and urged the children to develop a love for plant life, particuplarly the trees of tlreir own land, and to strive to protect them as heirlooms.

The opportunity was taken by AH R. E. Small, secretary of the Manawatu Head Centre of the Royal Life-Saving Society, to present the swimming distance awards and life-saving certificates won last season l>y pupils of the school, Air Small apologising for the absence of the president, Air W. L. Fit/.herhert.

Alr J 5. AV. Alills, a member of the School Committee, also asked Air AV. A. Swinbourn (headmaster) to accept an enlarged photograph of the old school from the Te Awe Awe Troop as a mark of appreciation for being allowed the use of the school on various occasions. In accepting the gift, Air Swinbourn stated that he did so with pleasure, for the photograph would serve as a valuable memento of the school’s early history. The headmaster also tendered an apology on behalf of Colonel J. H. AVhyte, who was absent in AVanganui attending a meeting of tire AVanganui Education Board.