RONGOTEA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 257, 27 September 1935, Page 7

RONGOTEA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RONGOTEA, Sept. 25. Arbor Day was eolebrated at the school this afternoon, and the event provided much of interest to those who were present. The gathering: assembled in the school and were addressed by the headmaster (Mr, R. E. Allen), who reminded the scholars' of the purpose of the day, and of the necessity of loyalty to their King and country. This being Jubilee year, they would plant a suitable tree to commemorate this event. He asked them to pay careful attention to what the visiting gentlemen had to say, and trusted they would profit by it. Mr E. A. Croad (secretary of the committee) followed and apologised for the absence of Mr W. Amies (chairman). He referred to Arbor Day as a national event, it being observed throughout the Dominion for the purpose of planting shrubs and. trees for the benefit of future generations. On this occasion there wore two trees to be planted that had a special significance—one a Jubilee tree, and the other on behalf of the boys and girls present. Many trees had been planted round the school years ago and to-day the pupils were enjoying the benefits of shelter and shade. Our fathers had planted for us and we must plant for the future. Forests were fast being depleted, and one way to offset this j was to plant trees. Timber was also needed, and only by planting again whore the forests stood could this need be supplied. He trusted they would do what i they could to help, not only as a duty, I but as a pleasure and joy. Mr J. C. Glover was then called on to address the scholars. After having expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present, lie went on to speak of the place horticulture had in life, the specific thing for which they were assembled. He referred to the large place it had in public life; this was on the increase. Lately, it had boon suggested that one method of adornment of the countryside could be brought about by tho planting of trees alongside the highway from Auckland to Wellington; al<* showing the value of trees in commercial life. Mr Glover referred to tho statement made by a member of the Government Horticultural Division some time ago, when that gentleman stated that for successful farming a farmer mustplant not less than one acre in every ton in shelter trees. He could also tell them of a farmer in this district who had told him that he could take at least £2O more off his farm of 60 acres than his neighbour, simply because of the shelter on his farm, which his neighbour did not possess. Mr Glover also expressed the pleasure afforded him some time ago, in Taranaki, where there were displayed photographs and sketches of cvcrv kind of tree and shrub native to • the Dominion, and albums of pressed leaves and flowers. The mistress of tho school had said it was her desire that every scholar should grow up with a knowledge of bis own land. It, might not be possible to carry out such a plan here, but there was nothing to prevent, them from taking an interest in the surroundings of their own school. Adjournment was then made to the grounds where an informal talk, took place on the requirements of trees when being planted. This was demonstrated by Mr Glover in the planting of the Jubilee tiee, a red oak (Quercus Rubra), and the Arbor Day tree, a yellow ash.