ARBOR DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8955, 12 August 1892, Page 3 (Supplement)

ARBOR DAY.

This new national movement was observed on Thursday, August 4, with more or less success, in the suburbs of Auckland, thoug in the city proper, it was not recognised owing to the lack of facilities, for carrying out any tree-planting. In the country districts the day was celebrated with enthusiasm. The school children entered into the work of planting with great spirit, after which various pastimes were 1 indulged in, and in the evening at some places concerts were held. At Wellington a close holiday was observed in the Government Buildings, insurance offices, &c., but tradespeople on the whole did nob join in the holiday, although a few premises closed at noon. The vice-regal party arrived on the esplanade punctually at a quarter to two p.m., a detachment of Heretaunga Mounted Infantry forming a body-guard. The party, a large one, were conducted to the Rotunda by the Premier, the Minister of Lands, the Postmaster-General, the Speakers of the two Houses, members of the City Council and a number of ladies, including Mrs. Bnllance, Speaking from the Rotunda, Mr. H. D. Bell, Mayor of the city, expressed his gratification at the action of Lord and Lady Glasgow in agreeing to take part in the ceremony. Three hearty cheers were then given, at the call of Mr. Bell, for His Excellency and the Countess. His Excellency came forward and created a laugh by saying he thought the day should nob only be called Arbor Day but also Harbour Day, an allusion to the boisterous weather then prevailing. He assured those present that he was only too happy to take part in the ceremony, because he recognised that the objects for which Arbor Day had been proclaimed were highly desirable. Trees were then planted in close proximity to the Rotunda by Lord and Lady Glasgow, the Hon. H. J, Miller (Speaker of the Legislative Council), the Hon. VV. J. Steward (Speaker of the House of Representatives), the Premier, and the Hons. Messrs. McKenzie and Ward. The Governor and party afterwards drove to the Botanical Gardens, where trees were planted by His Excellency, the Countess of Glasgow, the ladies Augusta Alice and Dorothy Boyle, and several others. After the Governor and Lady Glasgow had gone to the Botanical Gardens a number of trees were planted on the Esplanade by the general public. The trees usod during the afternoon were mostly Pohutakavva and Norfolk pine.