ARBOR CELEBRATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8179, 22 July 1912, Page 2

ARBOR CELEBRATION

PLANTING ON TOWN BELT BALM FOR HILLSIDE SCAR. Inclement wearther was responsible for the postponement of tho Arbor celebrations from Wednesday to Saturday, and on the latter day conditions wore just tolerable- It was thought unwise still further to postpone the planting, so the principal ceremony on tne Town Belt was proceeded with. Threatening skies and a persistent southerly wind, however, were responsible lor only _ a sparse attendance of tho general public, me function was attended by the Mayor (Mr D. McLaren), several councillors, and municipal officers. A CONSPICUOUS SECTION. Section 48 of the Town Belt —where the work was done—is just to the southward of Victoria College, and at the back of Woolcombe street at its highest rise, its elevation permits of a splendid view of the central part of the city and ; harbour; conversely, tho absence ot. trees and shrubbery is conspicuous to travellers approaching gne Queen e wharf. On tho right hand, facing the city, is a gully where numerous trees of tho less hardy species would easily flourish. The section has an easy slope citywards, and the soil appeared to be good. At present it is covered with scraggy 4 * grass, and its transformation will be an important step in the process of civic beautification. About 2.3 d p.m. the ceremony was begun by the Mayor, who planted a tree with a long Latin name, but capable, it is said, of waxing strong against blustering winds. There were a hundred trees provided on the ground, and a number of conveniently-sized holes had been dug by reserves gardeners. Others took part in the planting, and soon a goodly number had been firmly set in tho soil. Birch, trees wore well represented in tho infant plantation. ADDRESS BY THE MAYOR. Opportunity was taken by tho Mayor to address the Arbor enthusiasts. Tho work, he said, would result in a very fine showing towards the bealitiiying of tho city. There had been a certain amount of laxity in the past, on the part both of the council and tho citizens, and they hoped now to make up for' the neglect. Tne idea on thisXoccassion was to plant a belt of strong trees right round section 48, so that the eastern and southern boundaries should be completely sheltered, ns far as could be provided. Later on they hoped to plant tho whole section with trees and shrubs to add colouring. . Tho work was not so much for visitors, but intended to benefit the citizens themselves. The growth of verdure of a beautiful character he .regarded as the best incentive to young' people to reach a high standard of life. Tho interest shown by the people augured well for the movement. Offers of help had been made by many representative citizens, who had said they would take part in the society for carrying on this work from year to year. He hoped this Beautification Society would undertake their service of love in a spirit of regard for the whole of tho city, and not for any isolated portion. He thanked his hearers for coming out on an inclement day. Tho planting then proceeded till a considerable number had been done. The Mayoress was among those, who took an active part in the shovelling work. The soil was soft and moist from rain and yielded easily. Yesterday’s glorious sunshine and spring warmth should help to dry and make firm the earth round the young roots. During the day various schools, church organisations, and other bodies were busy with tho spade and saplings. It is hoped that interest in this work will be kept alive from year to year, and time alone will prove its inestimable value.