THOMSON KAURI PARK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17935, 1 December 1921, Page 9

THOMSON KAURI PARK.

GIFT TO THE PEOPLE. ! MEMORABLE CEREMONY. LORD JELLICOE'S TRIBUTE. [bt telegraph.—special bepobter.] DARGAVILLE. Wednesday. The official opening of the Trounson Kauri Park by tho Governor-General, Lord Jellicoe, took place to-day in glorious weather, the ceremony being onti of the most picturesque and ' interesting ever held in North Auckland. Over 300 people were present, including 100 guests invited by tho Wairoa Scenic Club, which organised and carried through the whole arrangements with unqualified success. Favoured by splendid weather, nothing was lacking to make the day one which will long be remembered by all present as one of the keenest enjoyment and interest. The day was a splendid culmination of years of hope and effort, marking the formal handing oyer to tho Crown by Mr. James Trounson of the deed of purchase of nearly 1000 acres of splendid kauri forest with* out equal in New Zealand for the size and beauty of its trees. A special train conveyed the guests from Dargaville to Donnelly's crossing. The journey to the park was completed by motor the distance being about four miles. The Governor-General and Lady Jellicoe were greeted by Mr. V. Trounson, chairman of the Hobson County Council, Luncheon was served in the forest, the guests gathering round the base of one of the kauri giants measuring 36ft. in circumference. The Dargaville Town Band was present, and provided music. Tho warm sunshine filtering down through the ferns and foliage, and the voicos of happy people echoing through the stillness ol this stately forest grove made the occasion one of fascinating interest and delight. The formal presentation of the deed of purchase and the opening of the park took place directly alter lunch. Mr. Trounson's Memories. In handing over the deed, Mr. Trounson said:—" Looking back over the years I see a little Cornish boy walking two miles through the whiter snow to his work in the mines for 4d a day. It is a long, long span from that day to this, and looking back to the hardships of those days, it is certain that only one Pilot could have guided the destinies of that little lad toward to-day, such a wonderful day in such a distinguished , company. It was that same Pilot and ; Almighty Father whose hand plantjd this magnificent forest a thousand years before the white man came. Handing it over then to His people that they might see the wonderful work of His hands, it was He who made me for a time custodian of His magnificent gift, and as His custodian I have tried to do my duty. Anything I have been able to do to give benefit or pleasure to others has been done for His sake. Your Excellency," concluded Mr. Trounson, "it is the greatest honour and pleasure of my life to be able to place in your hands the deed of purchase of this forest." (Cheers were given for the donor). <HAc& of Munificence." His Excellency, in acknowledging the gift, expressed his high sense of the honoured privilege of being able to take part in bo unique and interesting a ceremony. " I cannot adequately express all 1 feel in regard to thi 8 act of splendid munificence on the part of Mr. Trounson," he said, "but what I can do 11 to point to a man who was once that little Cornish lad, and say there is a lesson for everyone of us in that life. But heaven helps those who help themselves, and I will guarantee that Mr. Trounson has done much to help both himself and others throughout his life. His reward is to-day when the people of New Zealand are looking to him in ralitude for his great gift. Therefore now open it as Trounson Kauri Park, and hope that all those thousands who will visit it in years to come will spend as delightful and happy a time in it as Her Excellency and I have spent this afternoon. None can look on these glorious monarch? of the forest without thinking of Him who made them, and in future those who look will also think of him who gave them." Addition to Reserve. Sir Francis Bell reviewed the steps taken by the residents of the district and by himself to persuade the Government to take over an additional area of forest that would complete Mr. Trounson's previous generous gifts, with the result that the transaction had been effected, and there had now been added to the reserve a tract of 950 acres which Mr. Trounson had sold for considerably less than half Us value. "This fine park will ever remain a monument to his generosity," said Sir Francis, "as well tvs a lasting memorial to the glory of the forest that has been." Sir Edwin Mitchelson, & friend since boyhood of Mr. Trounson, paid a high tribute to the forethought and generosity of the donor of the park, who, in saving this great kauri forest for the people of the Dominion, had crowned his life with glory. Speeches were also delivered by the Hon. George Fowlds and Mr. A.. E. Harding, president of the Wairoa Scenic Club. After witnessing a display of kauri climbing by expert climbers, the guests returned to Dargaville, leaving for Auckland about six o'clock.