PARK OF EMPIRE TREES

Southland Times, Issue 23026, 21 October 1936, Page 5

PARK OF EMPIRE TREES

CORONATION PROPOSALS.

GROUPS OF “SHIELDS.”

London, September 19. An Empire Park composed of trees from the Dominions and colonies was one of the suggestions made at a meeting of the Coronation Planting Committee this week. The committee represents nearly 30 organizations interested in horticulture, and it has asked the Lord Mayor of London to call a meeting of Lord Mayors and Mayors with a view to furthering its objectives. Among various suggestions are the planting of a Coronation Avenue and the gathering of acorns from the Royal parks for planting throughout the country on a special day. An appeal for funds to carry out the proposed schemes is to be launched. Mr St. Barbe Baker, founder of the Men of the Trees organization, has suggested the planting of trees from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, but not in a “chain.” His idea is that they should be planted in groups of nine in the shape of King Arthur’s shield, with an oak in the middle. Each group would have its point at the south-west, thus being of assistance to airmen. One hundred thousand trees were planted for the jubilee, and it is hoped that there will be many more for the Coronation.