PALMS FOR MUSEUM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 749, 23 August 1929, Page 16

PALMS FOR MUSEUM

INSIDE THE AVENUE CONCESSION TO VIEWS Pfaaenix palms are to be planted »m llislde rows of the avenue leading to the War Memorial Museum, the City Council agreed last fogQTHERWISE, native trees will be grown. Another intensive discussion took place on the advisability of having exotics in the scheme of planting. Under a report brought forward by Cr. J. Paterson, decisions arrived at when he met the committee of the Intitute and Museum with the superintendent of parks provided for: The remaining of six Cedius Deodars trees planted on the eastern side of the museum; the laying-out in a turf avenue not less than 150 ft wide on the northern side, leading from the steps below the court of honour to'the Domain Drive and planted in avenue style: the planting of rows of the avenue in puriris, 30ft distant, with pohutukawas 30ft outside; the planting of the balance of the area for future growth, enclosed by roads on the north side of the museum, in clumps of native flora arranged to give uninterrupted views of the cenotaph from the approaches from Stanley Street and the Parnell entrance to Domain Drive; and the planting in native flora of botanical arrangement on the eastern side between the tennis courts and Maunsell Road. "Inquiries have been made from Mr. A. S. Bankart, chairman of the Citizens' War Memorial Committee, and Mr. H. E. Vaile, chairman of tho Institute and Museum,” Cr. Paterson said, “on the question of the planting of the inside rows of the avenue with Phoenix palms. This was understood to be the desire of those bodies. I understand the views of the architects are that planting of these palms would harmonise with the Grecian architecture of the museum. PRINCIPLE ENDORSED “When I called the Parks Committee together it endorsed the principle of planting indigenous trees, but thought the views of others interested should be considered. Beyond the two rows of palms, the committee agrees to planting suitable New Zealand trees. In deference to the views of other parties, I ask for the provision of the planting of the inside avenue rows in Phoenix palms.” Cr. Ellen Melville, who has strongly advocated complete plrliting in New Zealand trees, moved an amendment excluding tho planting of Phoenix palms. Cr. G. Brownlee seconded on the ground that New Zealand trees should be adhered to. The wishes of other interests in planting the palms was mentioned by Cr. E. J. Phelan, who said: —"The Phoenix palms could n i ke a temporary show—native flora is slow-grow-ing. The palms could be removed later on.” “Every Aucklander should sternly! resent the introduction of exotics.” j said Cr. J. R. Lundon. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, and Crs. J. Dempsey and W. B. Irvine ! were not opposed to the rows of! Phoenix palms. The council gave its approval to Cr. Paterson’s suggestion for the ad-! dition of the palms to the planting.