ARBOR DAY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12829, 23 July 1909, Page 2

ARBOR DAY.

Planting at Virginia Lake

There was a very large attendance of the public at Virginia Lake yesterday,, when Arbor Day was celebrated in a most practical manner, almost everybody taking part in the tree-planting. Among those present were the Mayoress (Mrs Mackay), Cr and Mrs Holloway, Cr and Mrs Williams, Cr and Mrs Calver, Mrs Burgess, Mrs McGregor, and Mesßrß J. T. Stewart, H. Sarjeant, Manningtoii, Gregoi' McGregor, Babbage, J. G. Aftken, Pa. Inell, Laird, and Ash well.

In 'the absence of his Worship the Mayor Cr Holloway (chairman of the Reserves Committee) presided. Cr Holloway said that in Virginia Lake the people of Wanganui had the making of one of the finest reserves in the Dominion, and it would be the people's own fault if it did not become so. The Reserves Committee was doing all it possibly could to beautify the town, bus there was a large amount still to be done. He suggested to the people of St. John's that they should form a Beautifying Association, with an annual subscription, and from this 'money, together with the efforts of the Association, a lot could be done. Personally, he felt sure that the Council would subsidise such a work. ■ Mr Gregor McGregor was then oalled upon to speak, but he thought- a spade was more appropriate than a speech,- and as there were between 1200 and 1300 trees. to .be planted, it was advisable to get to work without delay. Mrs Mackay then planted a maple tree, kindly presented by Mrs Hadfield. The Mayoress performed the task in a most businessike manner, and set a splendid example to those who followed her.' After the wives of councillors had each planted a tree, several of the older citizens took a hand, and then one' and all of those present settled down to work. ' The ladies of . St. John's Hill very thoughtfully provided afternoon teat

Among the gifts of shrubs received were some very fine .plants donated by Mr' Parnell.

Among the hardest working enthusiasts at the planting Was a contingent of High School pupils under, Mr Aitken.

The Reserves Committee desire to express their hearty thanks to all those who so' kindly presented trees and assisted in other ways to make the day, such a success.