ARBOR DAY CELEBRATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3102, 27 August 1913, Page 55

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATIONS.

EXTENSIVE TREE PLANTING. The institution of Arbor Day, in view of the deforestation of extensive areas that yearly takes place, is of commercial and scenic as well as of educative importance, and it is pleasing to note that its value is recognised by the primary schools of the city and suburbs. The “passing of the forest” is a state of affairs that is much to be regretted from several points of view, but in regard to this city the scenic aspect of the matter is of chief concern, and much useful work was done in this direction on the 20th. The-day was beautifully fine and in everv way favoured the operations of the children, who were to be seen during the afternoon engaged in little groups upon the work of treeplanting. The Otago Education Board decided some time ago to recognise the 20th as Arbor Day for the city and suburban schools, and also appointed it a special day on which the lessons should have reference to the aims and objects of the institution of Arbor Day. A printed slip containing suggestions for the programme of school work for the day was issued, and as this was supplemented by Hie teachers it is safe to say that tho children received much useful instruction. The practical portion of the work also met with the hearty support of the City Council, and Mr D. Tannock (superintendent of reserves) had set aside a number of suitable spaces in and around the city for tree-planting by the following schools: —Albany street, Normal, Moray place, High street, Kensington, Macandrew road, Caversham, Kaikorai, and Arthur street. The council also arranged for the preparation of the ground and the supply of the trees, while one of Mr Tannock’s assistants was in attendance with the pupils of each school to supervise the work of planting.