THE CITY PARKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21799, 14 May 1934, Page 6

THE CITY PARKS

Progress during year JMINOR IMPROVEMENTS MADE SHADE TREES PLANTED In of a severely restricted budget, a fair amount of development work is recorded in the report of the City Council's superintendent of parks, Mr. T. S. Aldridge, for the year ended March 31. Dealing with the Domain, the report mentions/that since the construction of the roadway from George Street to the Museum the area on the hill-top has been put into order. Although no great amount of planting has been carried out during the past year, preparations are well in hand for work on a large scale . when the plans for the arboretum are completed, and with this in view trees are being raised in the nursery. The winter gardens continue to attract visitors in large numbers. The displays in both houses have been and are at presbnt exceptionally fine. The tropical house is' now fully furnished and the plants are thoroughly established. In many instances it has been possible -'to increase by propagating several of the rare plants, and in consequence, . there is sufficient stock on hand for future requirements. It will bo necessary from time to time to replace specimens so as to have a large and .varied collection. The Propagating Plant The Domain nursery is well stocked Jwith fine healthy native and exotic trees and shrubs. Seeds of native trees are collected/in the council's bush reserves. Many are raised by cuttings so as to produce the species true to form and habit. Many of the trees and shrubs now in the nursery will be planted during the coming season. The propagating plant has not grown with the requirements of the department. The glass space is adequate but some of the houses are not constructed to suit modern methods. A little afteraction to the structures would provide ample space for the growing of the .various cljisses of plants, and the cost of such alterations has been added to the year's estimates. The number of seedlings annuals and perennials raised for distribution among the various parks and rockeries was approximately 136,000. In addition, some 8402 pot plants were raised for the embellishment / of the winter gardens. Thousands of bulbs such as anemone and ranunculus are also raised annually for distribution among the garden plots in various parts of the city. In Parnell Park the rose garden has received further attention in the planting of an additional 2730 roses, making a total of 3730, fitting 32 beds of various shapes. Pergolas have been built and rustic seats provided and the whole surrounded by a hedge, making the rose garden self-contained. Work at Other Parks In Point Erin Park 100 native trees have been planted along the embankment of ' the new roa:dway. The approaches to the beach at Point Chevalier have been improved and* the space in front of the yacht club has been graded and planted with suitable trees. In Grey Lynn Park 116 shade trees and a hedge have been planted. The Mount Hobson reserve will be considerably improved by the depositing of spoil from the new reservoir excavations over irregular portions. The fillings are to be covered with soil and sown with grass. During; last planting season 11,000 pinus racliata were 1 planted in CornI wallis Park. About 35 tons of firewood and some thousands of stakes were cut. With the help of members, of the bowling club, the bowling green at St. Heliers has been reformed. Five additional grass tennis courts have been laid doSvn, and an additional bowling green is to be formed at the club's expense. The croquet lawns have been enlarged. On the Selwyn Domain 138 trees have been planted, mainly natives. Twenty tons of basic slag were applied to the Motuihi Island farm pastures, with good results. The farm carries 800 sheep, 55 heifers and some other stock. Visitors to the island numbered 32,248, exclusive of children in the Community Sunshine Association's camp.

The revenue from tennis, bowls, ' crotjuet and training fees at Victoria Park was £469.