CORRESPONDENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20781, 16 July 1937, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE

TREES IN TIMARU STREETS To the Editor ot " The Tlmaru Herald.” Sir,—ln this morning's issue of your journal I am reported to have said at the Timaru Borough Council meeting last night that ‘‘trees should be planted within a foot ot the kerbing so that they would not become a danger.” I desire at this stage to explain my attitude with regard to tree planting in streets. On account of my cinslstent disapproval of street treeplanting—except where conditions will reasonably and safely accommodate tire trees—l am now regarded as almost opposed to any scheme of beautification. This Is not so. I am a lover of nature and would support any scheme which had as its objective a more beautiful and attractive town, both for resident and visitor alike. In my opinion there are many unattractive areas in our town where trees and shrubs would obscure the present unsightly appearance of these places. Now with regal'd to planting trees in streets, I would like to make a statement. Last year the Council planted trees on each side of certain streets about eighteen inches from the channelling. I opposed the idea, because I could visualise in a few years that these trees would develop so much root growth that the kerbing and channelling would suiter and the surface of the street would become irregular from the same cause. Many other reasons, including cost of maintenance, could be advanced against the idea. We have recently by resolution of the Council, removed the domes from the centre of the streets because they were considered an obstacle and a probable source of danger and yet we decide to plant trees on either side of our residential streets, where business people are daily engaged in supplying the needs of the people. My contention is that the thoroughfare from kerb to kerb is a public right and privilege to use and that the ratepayer, who is often called upon to pay his share of providing such a frontage has a right to see that it is not obstructed in any form. If we must have trees in streets let us concentrate on those streets which are not tarsealed or kerbed and channelled, and I maintain it is more economical and safe to narrow the traffic thoroughfare and widen the margins, say 7 feet for a footway and 7 feet for lawn and dwarf trees or shrubs. This idea would not result in obstruction or danger. In the case of Chappel and Cain Streets I leave it for the public to judge whether the trees already planted will not seriously interfere with the preparation necessary for the sealing o' these streeas which is part of this year’s programme. I would like to correct that report with reference to my agreeing to plant within a foot of the kerbing on the footpath which in my humble opinion is equally dangerous from every point of view. It has been said that one of the charms of the human mind is independent thought and in this matter I feel there are many citizens who will agree with my considered opinion, while I am sufficiently generous to respect the decision arrived at by the Council. —I am, etc., A. S. KINSMAN. Timaru, July 13.