OBSERVANCE OF ARBOR DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15662, 16 July 1914, Page 9

OBSERVANCE OF ARBOR DAY

CEREMONIES AT SCHOOLS.

THE PLANTING OF TREES.

Aflßon Day was observed yesterday by all Government offices as a holiday, bill beyond this and the fact that tho children in the various public schools were also given a holiday, and instructed in the purport of Arbor Day, thero. was but little- to mark the day with any special significance. To tho children in the schools was explained the importance of afforestation by their teachers, and, wherever practicable, trees were planted by the children under tho supervision of the school authorities. Tho chief ceremony of this kind took place at the Normal School, where the children were addressed by Mi. E. K. Mulgan, tho chief inspector of schools. He said that ho welcomed tho revival of the observance of Arbor Day, pointing out in simple language to the children what trees meant to a country and the importance of tho conservation of forests. The pioneer settlers had set a splendid example, and by planting trees now the present generation would be doing a duty to thoso to eomo after them.

The practical part of the proceedings at tho Normal School consisted in the planting of four willow trees in the playground, on the slope between tho two terraces. Willows, it was pointed out, had been found to thrive better than any other Kind of tree in rough ground. The willows already planted in the playground had done much towards absorbing all superfluous moisture after rain, thereby rendering tho playground dry. The four now trees were planted by the boys of the first four standards, each lad putting in a little earth, so as to impress upon him his responsibility in tho guardianship of tho young trees.

Tho children of tho Nelson Street, Napier Street, and Beresford Street schools were briefly addressed by the teachers on the meaning and significance of Arbor Day. The City Committee, which has charge of these three institutions, has decided to allocate a certain amount each year for tree-planting at the schools. Nelson Street school will receive attention first, and it has been arranged that trees and flowering and climbing shrubs will be planted in tho grounds next Wednesday at a public function, at which the Mayor and tho chairman of the Education Board will probably bo present. It was intended that this planting should be done yesterday, but arrangements were not comploted in time. On subsequent Arbor Days planting will be carried out at Napior Street I and Beresford Street schools.

Between 400 and 500 native trees were planted by the children of the New Lynn school, under the supervision of the teaching staff and Mr. W. J. Parkor, secretary of the School Committee. Almost every variety of native tree was planted, and some of the choicest of the imported varieties, all donated to the school by Messrs. D. Hay and Sons. During the past six weeks" working-bees have been held, and tho children entered into their part of the work with the greatest zeal, over one hundred of them bringing trees themselves. The work has not been completed, and the remaining trees will bo planted as soon as opportunity offers. The day was celebrated in Avondale in a very enthusiastic and practical manner. About 100 of tho older boys assembled at the school at 9 a.m., armed with spades, and were conveyed to Rosebank Park, where a working-bee had ken busy for some time ploughing and grubbing a strip of land on the more exposed part, and preparing it for planting. The ground was planted with 500 trees, and at other spots native trees and shrubs were planted, close upon 1000 trees being used altogether. Tho teaching staff and members of the School Committee were in attendance, and the children received practical instruction in planting.

At the Hamilton West school some 70 trees were planted by the senior pupils, while the younger scholars were addressed bv the teachers At Hamilton East special lessons were given, but no planting was done owing to the wet soil.' It is proposed to plant about 100 trees on the riverbank and make a flower garden along the school frontages. Both schools were granted a half-holiday.