ARBOR DAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1940, Page 4

ARBOR DAY

CEREMONIES AT WAIRARAPA SCHOOLS. MANY NATIVE TREES PLANTED. Arbor Day is being celebrated today at most schools in the Wairarapa. No big planting programme is in hand this year, but at many schools at least a few trees are being planted, mostly native species. Reference to the significance of Arbor Day was made at this morning’s assembly at Wairarapa College by the Principal. Mr G. G. Hancox, who drew attention to the fine belt of native trees established along the Pownall Street frontage of the College. Mr W. R. Nicol, chairman of the Board of Governors and Mr H. M. Boddington, secretary, each planted a silver birch. Mr Boddington referred to how he had planted trees at the Central School over 50 years ago. He also eulogised the good work of Messrs J. W. Bird and R. Thomson in the early days of the Wairarapa High School in establishing the native border along Pownall Street. As many trees as possible are being planted today at the College, including two silver birches and a number of native trees given to the College by the Clareville School. At Masterton Central School the Arbor Day ceremony was observed last Thursday, when two dozen limes and rowans were planted by Standard 6 pupils at the southern end of the school recreation ground. The headmaster, Mr E. G. Coddington. addressed the assembled children in the playing ground and two or three recitations were contributed by the children.