RESIDENTS WISH TO SAVE TREES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18985, 3 February 1930, Page 10

RESIDENTS WISH TO SAVE TREES.

CONCERN SHOWN OVER COUNCIL’S DECISION.

Considerable displeasure is felt by residents in the vicinity of the junction of Springfield Road and Bealey Avenue at the proposed action of the City Council in cutting down the trees which are on the new footpath formed by the widening of the road. The widening follows the subdivision of the property on the corner owned by Mr R. M. Macdonald, and the trees were among a number on the old fence line. The widening has brought these trees out on to the footpath for a distance of from three to seven feet.

On the corner is a particularly fine oak, planted in the days when the house was the homestead of the Gould family. Further along is a very good specimen of the Tasmanian blackwood, which has grown to a great size. Beside these trees are seven others of different sizes and varieties.

The road and footpath have been formed, although neither has - been paved or permanently surfaced, and the trees are left as they were originally. At its last meeting the Works Committee of the City Council decided that the trees must come out, and the recommendation will be made to the full council to-night. Mr H. C. D. van Asch, a prominent city solicitor, who lives on the corner opposite the widening, was very disturbed when he was informed this morning of the decision. He was particularly sorry that the oak must go, and stated that he would be prepared to round off the corner of his property if the tree could be saved.

The feelings of the residents in the locality are apparently unanimous for saving the trees, and some, it is understood, have written to the council recording their objections to the removal. •