AKAROA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10682, 31 January 1913, Page 2

AKAROA.

PAST AND PRESENT.

Mr A. E. Watkins recently returned t'j Akaroa after an absence of twentyseven years, and in an interview in Cliristclmrcli yesterday he said that he was greatly surprised at the changes which had taken place in the charming little village he had known in his boyhood. "When lie left it he had no idea that it would be the up-to-date, well-equip-ped borough it was at present. At that time nobody contemplated an electric lighting and water-supply scheme, an esplanade, and very convenient and efficient services . with Christchurch. On the other hand, Akaroa. had lost a groat deal of its picturesqueness. The _ progress of civilisation had robbed it of a great deal of its beautiful forests. He missed the ferns and tree-ferns, and the native birds. He regretted to note that the great avenue of walnut trees, which was planted by his grandfather, Dr Watkins, more than fifty vears ago at the English end of the town, and which extended over the hill beyond Cherry Farm, had suffered by neglect. Unfo'rtunately, the municipal authorities had let many opportunities to secure and preserve historical buildings and sites slip by. Notable amongst these were the building and grounds occupied by Commodore Lebaud. The old French cemetery was in a neglected condition. The English cemetery was almost as bad. He was convinced that the Borough Council should accept the offer made by Mrs Henning for, the disposal of her piece of bush in the town. Ho thought that moro beautifying operations misfit bo carried out. Ho intended to do his part by offering the Council a number of pohutukawa trees, which might be planted close to the shore, where they would afford shelter from the sun. He would like, indeed, to see many native trees planted, as they would be more attractive than the pmus insignis and macrocarpa, which were so plentiful in Canterbury. He thought, also, that more could bo done to encourage residents of Christehurch to make Akaroa the site of their week-end trips, for H-hic'l. purpose it vu* eu ideal