CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 23989, 2 December 1939, Page 12

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

At one time people from all parts of the world flocked to Japan to witness, principally, the splendour of the snowwhite, feathery cherry blossom which makes way rapidly for the winered fruit. But Japan no longer holds a monopoly of such a spectacle. In the Orange district, Australia, a week or two ago, hundreds of trees on the 1400 acres of land under cherry cultivation, were bursting into life. In

the valleys, protected from ; the biting winds of early spring which sweep across from the Blue Mountains, the blossom was more advanced. So the people of Orange instituted a festival unique in Australia—a cherry blossom festival. They live in the richest and the largest cherry-growing district in Australia, and so they paid their tribute to an industry which brings to the district each year about £BO,OOO. The colour scheme is one of r&re beauty. The earth in the Orange district is not grey, and it is not red. Most of it is a deep buff. The trees in tlie orchards stand with their feet in narrow strips of grass. The earth between the rows is ploughed. So. that you see the buff-coloured earth, the rich green grass, and, above all, the blossom.