CENTENNIAL PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23058, 8 June 1938, Page 15

CENTENNIAL PLAN

i AVENUE in domain \ PLANTING 2000 TREES X\* f . * - WOBK TO BE COMMENCED jWENTY-FIYE MEN ENGAGED ■ Within a month of the formation of plans by the chairman of the Auckland Provincial Centennial Council, Sir Ernest Davis, a start is being made the scheme for the commemorate planting with 2000 native trees of the new driveway now under construction in the Auckland Domain. TJndcr a" arrangement concluded tith the Minister of Labour, the Hon. g X. Armstrong, 25 married men recruited from tho local register of unemployed have been engaged and they Till begin work on Monday with the trenching and preparation of the ground in readiness for the planting. They will lie retained for nine months and their wages, which are at the rate of 2s 4d ujj (jour, for a 40-liour week, are being paid out °f Employment Promotion Fund.. This work will be carried out under the supervision of the Superintendent of Parks, Mr. T. Aldridge, in terms of a plan for planting prepared by the city engineer, Mr. J. Tyler. The only cost to be met is that 0 f insuring the workmen, which will be paid out of the centennial funds. Original Scheme Amended Commenting on this undertaking, fliich will be the first oi the centennial memorials, Sir Ernest Davis jaid last night that it had been found advisable on more detailed examination to depart somewhat from the original icheme, and not to defer until centennial year the actual planting of the trees, as at first intended. The plan now was to carry out the bulk of the planting in the autumn of 1939, to Jure planted' on Arbor Day of that jear such trees and shrubs as were required for nurse plants, and to reK rve 500 of the larger trees for planting at the commemorative centennial eereipony in 1940, when the avenue wild be appropriately dedicated. The total length of the new driveny is to be 1600 ft., with a width of 21ft. and a maximum grade of one in }}ft. The alignment of the driveway las been located to harmonise with the slopes of the hillside. Some distance from the drive on the western side there will be a footpath Bft. wide, with igrassed verge separating it from the drive, while, on the eastern side there fill be a meandering path along the top of the bank above the stream dell. Best-known Native Trees To the eastward and beginning from the slopes of the stream dell will be the Botanic Garden for native flora, iad to the westward and covering the ■lopes below the hospital grounds will 1» the aboretum for exotics. Sir Ernest said that the centennial planting plan had been devised to harmonise with the surroundings. ' The was between the drive and the paths tad immediately outside the pathways tere to be planted with native trees, ibrmed in groups on informal lines, and ill a manner that would appropriately clothe and enhance the formation of the driveway and paths. Incorporated would be the best-known native trees, such as kauri, rimu, totara, kahikatea, pohutukawa, matai, tanakaha, rewarewa, puriri, hoheria and karuka, together with a variety of smaller native trees and shrubs to bring the larger trees in harmony with the general terrain. Spirit of Co-operation Under this planting plan, due cogni«nce would be given to the preservation oi onon vistas from various parts of the upper slopes of the Domain to outlying points of interest such as the University tower, St. Andrew's Church, the Naval Base, Rangitoto peaks and •ketches of water in the harbour. The fine spirit of co-operation shown in the matter by the City Council, *hich is providing the trees, and the Minister of Labour was referred to by Sir Ernest, said that this assistUce was much appreciated by the ■Ktropalitan executive of the Centennial Council. Apart from tho neglisfole anioun* for insurance,,the scheme *as being carried out at no cost to the Centennial Council, 1 and. in addikon to making a further valuable contribution to tho scenic amenities of the city, it had the distinction of being the first of the centennial endeavours to take shape apd was one which would to a virile and lasting expression -of Mnteisaial commemoration. e