PUBLIC CONCERN OVER LOSS OF TREES

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 208, 2 September 1941, Page 8

PUBLIC CONCERN OVER LOSS OF TREES

Chamber of Commerce Resolution

The recent action of Feilding’s civic authorities in applying the axe to a number of ornamental trees in Alanchester Square was the subject of a resolution at last evening’s meeting of the Feilding Chamber of Commerce. The uprooting of the trees provoked much indignation and Air. G. J. Fitzpatrick moved the following resolution of which notice had been given:— “That the chamber wishes to express regret at the destruction by authority of certain ornamental trees in AlanChester Square and respectfully suggests to the Borough Council that no further such destruction be authorised.”

Mr. H. S. Tate (president) did not favour consideration of the question, as he felt that no good purpose would be served in debating tne question now that the trees had been cut down. However, the chamber agreed to hear Mr. Fitzpatrick. In proposing his motion, Mr. Fitzpatrick spoke eloquently on the subject of trees and referred to the general and spontaneous condemnation of the action of the civic authorities in applying the axe to trees which had contributed to tho civic landscape of the town. On the authority of tho late Elsdon Best he quoted the Maori veneration of trees and warned all interests to beware of further destruction of tree life in the borough. Mr. G. Darragh seconded the motion as a lover of trees and hoped that appropriate action would be taken to prevent another such blitzkrieg. In answer to a question, Air. T. L. Seddon (Mayor) said that the reason for the removal of the trees had to do with a beautifying scheme which had been brought down by the reserves committee and approved by the Borough Council. Mr. W. L. Pcnhey stated that far from being destroyed, several of the trees and shrubs had been transplanted to Kowliai Park. Mr. C. M. Kargisson: How many will grow? Mr. Penhey: I am not a gardener and cannot say'. The president suggested that members of the chamber had themselves to blam£, because he Jiad mentioned the question of the trees in the square because he anticipated that of improvement was in view. The chamber had, in its wisdom, decided not to take any action. Air. Tato asked whether Air. Penhey could give any assurance that no further trees would be removed.

Air. Penhey said that lie was only one member of tho reserves committee and, if there was a general desire to leave the trees, thou he felt that the reserves committee would not act against public wishes. The Mayor said that, as the matter would come before the next meeting of the Borough Council, ho would not criticise or justify the action of the reserves committee, which had placed before the council a plan for certain improvements w'hich involved the removal of the trees. He appreciated that many citizens had been aroused to expressed indignation over the removal of the trees, but ho also knew that other citizens had expressed approval of the work and had remarked that the particular plot looked better. He had his own opinion and that he would reserve until the Borough Council met, but he would say that the reserves committee had acted in good faith. Air. A. C. AlcCorkindale expressed the view that it was to be regretted that the trees had been cut down.

In reply', Air. Fitzpatrick said that all who cared for trees would not rest content until thero was an assurance that no further destruction of trees would be permitted. The resolution was then put to the meeting and carried on the voices.