STREET TREES

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19565, 2 May 1935, Page 8

STREET TREES

OVER 30 MILES PLANTED.

BEAUTIFYING HAMILTON. MORE LABOUR REQUIRED. “Over 15 miles of streets in the borough have been planted with trees and with both sides of the road included the distance extends over 30 miles,” commented Dr. H. Douglas at •a meeting of the Hamilton Beautifying Society last evening when he gave an Intimation that the Trees Committee would table an extensive report on street trees at the next meeting. The president, Mr W. 11. Paul, presided and also present were Messrs T. G. Reynolds, W. G. Pountney, R. Parr, E. Phillips-Turner, E. Quick, G. Morpeth, 11. C. Mercer, J. H. Edgecumbe,' H. M. Hammond, Drs. H. E. ‘Harris and Douglas, and Mr G. Moore (secretary). An apology for absence was received from Mr J. F. Strang. The number of trees exceeded 1800, continued Dr. Douglas and lie contended that if any further tree planting was to be carried 07t an extra hand would have to be acquired to help look after them. “ Considering the large number of trees in the streets the two employees who have been looking after them have done excellent work but that does not alter the fact that many trees have been allowed to die because there was no time to attend to them,” added Dr. Douglas. “It would be useless planting any more trees unless they can be properly looked after. In view of the nature of the work I think the Borough Council should increase its grant Ur allow us ‘to employ another man.”

The chairman pointed out that the society had five .permanent men employed but its activities had increased greatly and the men could not adequately cover all the work.

Request for Larger Grant, Mr Phillips-Turner agreed that the present staff could not possibly cope with any further trees and said if the society was going to continue Its street planting policy an- extra hand would be required. He supported Dr. Douglas’ contention that an increased grant should be sought from the council, and a resolution on these lines was carried unanimously. The difficulty experienced by the Street Trees Committee in coming to a decision on what to plant along Victoria Street north was outlined by Dr. Douglas, convenor of the committee. He pointed out that the grass plots were only narrow, and bushy shrubs would obstruct the footpath, while trees with height were out of .the question to unJTm.ver and telegraph lines overhead. A medium height bushy tree would obstruct the view of motorists, as in 'the committee’s opinion the west side of the street was the only one suitablej for planting. He added that the committee had decided that Japanese Naples would be most suitable. The committee were given power to act In the matter. “ The society has a wonderful opportunity of making a show street of Greenwood Street, if the Borough Council can be induced to alter its scheme," commented Mr T. G. Reynolds. “ The street Is easily wide enough for an avenue of trees to be planted down the centre of the road while flower beds or shrubs and lawii could also be laid down. Two traffic tracks with one-way traffic on each side could also be constructed." The matter was left to the chairman and Mr Phillips-Turner.