MUSEUM TREE-PLANTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20333, 14 August 1929, Page 14

MUSEUM TREE-PLANTING.

Sir, —The city is under a debt to Mi - . \V. A. Beatm for his generous offer of assistance and financial support in tin matter ot securing suitable natives trees for planting at the Auckland War Memorial. I cannot, however, agree with him as to the necessity for securing the' services of anyone outside tho province ',<> advise on native trees suitable for tho purpose. Wo have in New Zealand, fortunately, numbers of both badies and gentlemen well qualified to speak and ad. vise on such a subject, but we are also fortunate in having in our own district many persons who have made a life study of flew Zealand trees and shrubs under iocal conditions, and whose opinions should carry as much weight with our local authorities as if the whole of the experts available where invited to attend. It appears to me tlmt what is required is to plant such a selection of native plants as would naturally be found in associationon a similar mount under natural northern forest conditions. Let the City Council first decide that exclusively native trees shall be used. Then, those who have ripo experience will be both able and willing to advise them as to the varieties of trees and shrubs that will make the most suitable natural ecological plant association for this particular locality. In closing, I would like to draw Mr. Beatie's attention, and that of the public, to an inaccuracy which appears in his letter. He evidently has mistaken the kumarahau for the tainui. The former is a most beautiful golden flowering bush or shrub. The latter is a tall-growing tree or shrub with insignificant flowers. I quite agree with Mr. Beatie that "New Zealand is now building,a tradition," and that tradition is included by the trees we plant, especially whent planting a memorial such as the one in question, and for such none but New Zealand native trees should be used. Geo. A. Green.

Sir, —Regarding tree-planting and the War Memorial Museum. In common with, I think, most New Zealanders, I am glad to note the movement to have native in preference to imported trees.' planted as the above site. At the same time, may I suggest that the authorities who will deal with this matter might consider the advisability of creating_ a separata plantation, comprising typical and distinctive trees and plants from the countries of each of the Empire's Allies. The respective Governments of these countries would, I feel sure, welcome the opportunity of furnishing such trees find, plants and Auckland's climate should leave no difficulty as to acclimatisation. A' second plantation might be formed comprising similar' trees and plants from all British possessions whose troops took part in the war. If these trees-and plants-were suitably labelled they could not help but fofcrn a striking and instructive, as well as commemorative feature of the museum and its environs. Ground space could be easily reserved now. Union Jack.