TWO GREAT TREES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21498, 23 May 1933, Page 10

TWO GREAT TREES

GROWTH OF ENGLISH OAKS FINE SPECIMEN AT ROTORUA Tliero is ample evidence in New Zealand to show that the English oak tree is not the Slow-growing tree that it lias been represented to be —at least when transplanted to this country. One of the best-known oaks in the Dominion is the tree growing on the site of tho old mission station at Waimate North. This oak was raised from an acorn grown on Goat Hill, Dorset, England, brought to New Zealand by tho Rev. It. Davis in 1824, and planted at Paihia. Mr. Davis moved this young tree to Waimate North in 1831. After 101 years tliero it has attained a height of ooft. and lias a branch circumference of over 200 ft., wkilo tho trunk has a girth of 10ft. 9in. This growth, however, has been exceeded by a tree which may be doscribed as a son of tho Waimate oak. Forty-five years ago the late Rov. F. Spencer took to Rotorua an acorn from the Waimate tree and planted it at tho corner of Arawa and Amohia Streets, almost opposite the hospital gates. It had grown into a magnificent tree and has, in fact, outgrown its parent. Measurements taken this year by Mr. H. E. Goudie, formerly Conservator of Forests, show that breast-high it had a girth of lift. Sin and a height of 66ft, with a branch circumference of approximately 200 ft. In a great storm live years ago a huge limb was torn away, marring its perfect symmetry. Time has restored the balauce, however, and to-day there is little to bhow of the ravages of past years.