TREE PLANTING AT THE HAMILTON LAKE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2513, 18 August 1888, Page 2

TREE PLANTING AT THE HAMILTON LAKE.

The proceedings in connection with the Bee organised for the purpose of planting out a portion of the Lake Reserve, Hamilton, passed off with very great success. The weather was favourable with the exception of a breeze blowing, which was unpleasant to some on the exposed ground overlooking the water. At the hour appointed the school children, Hamilton Light Infantry under their officers, the Mayor and Borough councillors, with a number of inhabitants mustered in Knox-street where they were marshalled and proceeded to the Lake Reserve, headed by theband playing suitable airs. Arrived on the ground, where about 1500 holes had been previously prepared, Mrs Isaac Coates, the Mayoress, initiated the bee by planting a large oak in a central spot, which she did in a graceful manner, amid tho cheers of the assemblage. Mr Gelling, town clerk, presented Mrs Coates with a bouquet in a short but telling speech. There must have been about 250 people present, the day being observed as a general holiday. Miiny brought their own trees, but the majority procured what they required from Mr Mason, who had brought a large and varied assortment with him for disposal. Mr H. Reynolds and Captain Runciman brought a laigo number of trees, which they presented. The ground then became animated with parties scattered over it, busily engaged in the interesting occupation of planting, and attaching their names, like true Britons, to the trees and shrubs they respectively put into the soil. At midday refreshments in the shape of tea, wiehes, buns, cakes, etc., which had been kindly supplied by Mrs Coates, Mrs Biggs and others, were freely handed round, to the delight of the young people especially, who cheered the donors. Planting was resumed after this, and the time was passed by others in games and sailing on the lovely broad sheet of water, whilst the band gave occasional selections with their usual excellence. Photographs were taken by \J r Newrick of the.scene, which should be interesting as mementos of the occasion. If the- bulk of the trees planted on Thursday take root and come to maturity, an immense improvement will have been made to this most picturesque part of the Hamilton Borough, \ which will be much to its credit.