Newspaper Articles

TDN, JANUARY 21, 1936

NEW PLYMOUTH BOROUGH COUNCIL

Pukekura Park planting: This is a special vote of £150 as the first installment of a four years’ of the amount to cover the cost of extending the planting at Brooklands.

TH, JANUARY 27, 1936

IMPRESSIVE SCENE

SERVICE AT PUKEKURA PARK

NEARLY 4000 FOREGATHER.

At Pukekura Park, where a public memorial service was held, the scene yesterday afternoon was a most impressive one, as nearly 4000 people gathered on the terraces and recreation ground to pay tribute to the greatness of their late Sovereign and to show their deep sorrow in his passing. In the beautiful setting of the green terraces and trees was struck a note of pure reverence and sincerity as the assembly stood silent with bowed heads during the prayers and the playing of laments or swelled the air in unison with the singing of hymns.

The service was organised by the Borough Council and conducted by the members of the New Plymouth Ministers’ Association, representing the combined churches of the town. The presiding minister was the Rev. J. D. M’L. Wilson and the memorial address was given by the Ven. Archdeacon F. G. Evans.

At 2.50 p.m. 90 ex-servicemen under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel G. F. Bertrand, president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, paraded at the park gates and marched to the eastern terrace, where a row of seats had been reserved for them. The Taranaki Regimental-Municipal Band assembled at the corner of Devon and Liardet streets at 2.30 p.m. and marched to the park and on to the sportsground. The New Plymouth Caledonian Society’s Pipe Band and the Salvation Army Band also marched to the ground from their respective headquarters. On a dais erected in the south-eastern corner of the ground were representatives of public bodies and other organisations, while nearby were assem­bled Girl Guides and representatives of the Maori race. Boy Scouts and Girl Guides assisted with the distribution of the programmes of the service.

TH, FEBRUARY 5, 1936

TARANAKI v M.C.C

UNUSUAL ENDING

CALLING OF TIME

Many persons were a little fogged at the unusual ending of the cricket match between the M.C.C. team and Taranaki at Pukekura Park, but the rules leave no room for doubt on the matter, and the umpires (Messrs. J. M. Thomson and A. Ramshaw) acted in accordance with, the laws of the game, says a Taranaki writer.

The position was that the time for drawing stumps was six o’clock. Langridge (Sussex) commenced to bowl the last over of the day before the time for drawing had been reached and the clock struck six as he sent down his first ball. The second ball clean bowled Pritchard, and there seemed to be a little hesitation. In the meantime, Groombride, the last man on the Taranaki side, had come out to play and had reached the wicket before the umpires called time, or at least before it was realised that they had done so, and the match was concluded, Taranaki gaining the benefit of a draw.

The point that seemed to be in issue was whether or not the visiting team should have been allowed to complete the over that had been commenced and probably win the match. There was nothing arbitrary in what the umpires did, as the rule distinctly says, under “Notice to Umpires” in the M.C.C. Book of Laws: “If a wicket falls after ‘time’ has been reached the umpires should call ‘time!’ In Wisden’s Almanac, the matter appears more emphatic, and makes it mandatory upon umpires; in such circumstances, to call “time.” Had no wicket fallen the over would have been Completed, but in such circumstances there could have been no difference in the conclusion of the match.

Members of the visiting team from England agreed afterwards that the umpires’ decision was the correct one.

TH, FEBRUARY 12, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

The advanced state of deterioration of the Poet’s Bridge in Pukekura Park was mentioned by the superintendent, Mr. T. Horton, at the monthly meeting of the Pukekura Park Committee last night. Mr. Horton said that the bridge was in urgent need of inspection by a competent man. During the recent gale he had been standing on the bridge and he thought it would break under the strain, said Mr. Horton. While he was there two heavy stays dropped into the water. Repairs were also needed to the road at Brooklands and various buildings in the park required painting. A sub-committee of the chairman, the secretary and Mr. F. Amoore was appointed to report on the matters mentioned.

Those present were the Hon. J. McLeod (chairman). Messrs. E. R. C. Gilmour, H. Dempsey, F. Amoore, E. King, E. Jackson, W. F. Short, F. S. Varnham, F. Parker and E. J. Carr.

Mr. T. Horton, superintendent, reported that the main work done during the past month had been that of general maintenance. The fences, gates and bridges had been repaired where most necessary.

A great deal of extra work had been done to the sportsground area for the functions held there. The ground was being prepared for the band contest.

Cricket pitches had been regularly prepared. Very special attention had been given the main wicket for the M.C.C. match and this proved quite successful. At the end of the game the wicket appeared good for another two days’ play. The English captain, Mr. E. R. T. Holmes, had personally expressed his appreciation of the wicket, the outfield and the grounds generally to Mr. Horton.

One of the large mowing machines had twice been damaged through striking some hard substance on the ground in spite of the care and watchfulness of the groundsman. Repairs had been effected and all the machines were now in good order.

The paddocks at Brooklands looked very untidy because of a good deal of noxious growth, but the staff were too busy on more important work to clean them up at present.

The drive from Brooklands Road to “The Gables” was in a deplorable condition and required urgent attention.

The superintendent’s house, “The Gables,” and the house occupied by Mr. Cleaver all required painting to preserve them from deterioration. The Poet’s Bridge, band rotunda and tea house also needed painting.

Mr. Horton thought it was absolutely imperative that the committee obtain a report from a competent man on the condition of the Poet’s Bridge, which showed many evidences that urgent attention was necessary.

GALE DAMAGE.

The recent gale had done a good deal of damage both in Pukekura Park and Brooklands, but not nearly as much as might have been expected. No large trees came down, but a number of good-sized branches were broken off and in some cases the tops were snapped. The whole place was strewn with branches, ponga fronds, and rubbish, necessitating the use of a lorry for three days removing the debris. All the main paths and walks had been cleaned.

During the holiday season there had been many more visitors than in previous years.

The Fernery was in splendid condition and looked better than it ever had in his opinion.

Receipts for the period December 1 to February 9 for Fernery, boats, donations, etc., was £176 12s 3d, being an increase of £14 4s 6d over the same period last year. These receipts showed that 569 more people paid to go into the Fernery or used the boats.

Mr. Jackson congratulated Mr. Horton on the state of the wicket for the M.C.C. match.

It was decided that the borough engineer be asked to inspect the Poet’s Bridge and report on its condition to the committee at the next meeting.

It was decided that the committee visit Mr. Parker’s gardens at 7 o’clock next Wednesday evening. Members spoke highly of the gardens and Mr. Gilmour stated that he had taken a number of visitors from all over the world to inspect the gardens and all had spoken most highly of the beauty of the plants.

Mr. Parker stated that he had been greatly impressed by the growth of the kauris on the walk through the park up to the racecourse. It was remarkable the way the kauris had withstood the gale, he said.

It was resolved to draw the attention of the Borough Council to the condition of Upper Brooklands Road with a recommendation that it be permanently repaired.

The question of accepting the Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club’s offer to hand over the lighting equipment on the Sportsground to the committee was discussed. Members thought the offer was worthy of consideration and it was decided to bring the matter before the Borough Council for favourable consideration.

An application from the Woolston Brass Band for permission to hold a concert in Pukekura Park on March 1 was referred to the band Contest Committee.

The granting of £500 in four years by the Borough Council for tree planting at Brooklands was appreciated.

TH, FEBRUARY 19, 1936

STORY OF SWEEPSTAKES

1. R. COCK’S RECOLLECTIONS

BUILDING OF THE POET’S BRIDGE.

The story leading up to Mr. J. T. Davis winning of a prize in a sweepstake and his subsequent donation of “The Poet’s” Bridge, as told to Taranaki Herald reporter by Mr. R. Cock, is full of interest. Mr. Cock was a great friend of Mr. Davis, and together they were members of the original Park Board, then known as the Recreation Grounds Committee. Mr. Cock is the only surviving member of the original committee.

The sweepstake in which Mr. Davis was so successful was held in Auckland and was one of the many conducted by Mr. Adams. The sweepstake was named Tattersalls. When objection was taken to the running of sweepstakes in New Zealand Mr. Adams moved to Sydney and from there to Hobart, Tasmania, where the sweeps are still being conducted.

At the time of which Mr. Cock was speaking there was an agency for the sweepstake in New Plymouth. Mr. Davis and Mr. Cock endeavoured to persuade the others on the board to take a ticket, but they would not be persuaded. In view of this the two put £5 each in the Post Office Savings Bank, then called “Von Rotter’s Bank.” and periodically sent for a ticket in Adams’ sweep. It had been agreed that it either of them won a prize they were to have a bridge built across the main lake at the park to save the long walk round.

They won a £5 and a £20 prize, and put this money back in the bank for the purchase of further tickets. At last the money was exhausted, and Mr. Cock declared that he was going to have a rest from the sweeps for a while. Mr. Davis however, purchased two more tickets, and in one of these sweepstakes drew a horse called “The Poet.” The Poet won, and Mr. Davis collected the £500 prize. He remembered the agreement regarding the bridge, which cost in the vicinity of £300, and had it built.

Mr. Cock stated that many tickets used to be bought in the sweep and they cost £1 each.

TDN, FEBRUARY 26, 1936

“SAVE OUR HERITAGE”

PINES IN PUKEKURA PARK

The melo-dramatic sub-headings and opening paragraph of the article in the Daily News under the heading of “Save Our Heritage” and the authorship of “A.B.” has probably had some effect in focussing public attention on matters affecting the general policy of the Pukekura Park Committee in regard to tree planting, writes Mr. James McLeod, chairman of the park committee. That being so, and because some of the leading allegations contained in the article are quite contrary to fact in so far as the committee’s policy and actual operations are concerned, I consider it timely that an official reply should be made, and I am sorry that, owing to my absence from New Plymouth last week an earlier opportunity has not been available.

At the outset let me say that it has not been, and is not, as alleged, “the committee’s policy to steadily remove the pine trees that give this wonderful park half its character.” The committee has a complete record of every tree that has been removed during the past ten years, approximately the period of the present superintendent’s term of office. Prior to his appointment, the back row of pines on the John Street Walk, south of the sportsground, had been authorised for removal, entirely with a view to providing the necessary background and skyline of the future when the front rows of pines have lived their lives.

VIGOROUS GROWTH.

An inspection of that portion of the park to-day with its surprisingly vigorous growth of kauri, rimu, totara, pohutukawas, rewarewa, Norfolk pine, Wellingtonia, Libocedrus, etc., with the dense new undergrowth is the subject of most favourable comment by competent authorities. If one is to judge “A.B.’s” knowledge of the trees in the park by his and others’ extravagant statements it may occasion the general public some surprise and interest them to know that apart from John Street, the only pines removed during the past 10 years have been one on the sportsground, six near the superintendent’s house, four near the racecourse entrance corner and two on the hill to the south, a total of 13 trees. Of these five were dead or dying, and the others were either dangerous or for some very good reason, after many inspections and much thoughtful consideration by the committee, considered unwise to leave standing.

As there are many hundreds of pines in the park, surely it savours of hysteria to endeavour to mislead the public to the belief that the committee is ruthlessly destroying the “pine feature” of the area. Further, all the protests and petitions in the world will not prolong the natural life of the pines, and assuredly the time is approaching when from none other than natural causes this particular feature will be no more, unless steps are taken by this generation to anticipate that eventuality and provide against it.

Having that in mind the committee long ago decided to prepare for that time by extensive planting of a very wide range of exotic as well as native trees, not for “botanical” purposes as inferred by “A,B.,” but for forest re-generation amongst old trees and bush, with the idea of fortifying these areas and at all times with view of ultimately sky-line density and effect. Just under 2000 more or less major trees have been planted under this policy during the past 10 years, and with very few exceptions are growing remarkably well.

DETAILS OF PLANTING.

To particularise, 220 trees have been planted south and west of the pines on the hill-top west of the Fillis Street gully, comprising 24 karaka, 86 pohutukawas, 25 kowhai, 5 Norfolk pine, 5 libocedrus (cedar) 3 kauri, 2 thuja gigantea and 70 other native and skyline trees. These are now from 3 to 12 feet in height, and less than half a dozen are not robust.

In the Fillis Street Botanic Reserve 96 trees, mostly rare varieties of natives, and forming the nucleus of a botanic collection, have already been planted. These trees have mainly been donated to the committee exclusively for this purpose. The plan calls for the planting of a further 850 native trees in this section, but it is not advisable to plant there so long as the pines now under consideration are existent.

Might I just add that this gully, which has always been an uncultivated waste of bracken and rubbish and which is more or less isolated from the park proper as known by the public, was not originally part of the reserve at all, but was purchased by the committee and specifically set aside some years ago as the exclusive botanical section of the park for native tree specimens, as was the fernery for New Zealand ferns. It would be suicidal to proceed further with the work in the meantime, for the two-fold reason that the specimen trees will not flourish within the influence of the falling pine needles and the impoverished soil, and even if they did make some growth run the risk of their being ruined when the pines, if not now, are ultimately felled, having reached, their life’s limit.

To continue with the planting. In order to fortify the hill behind the southern terraces of the sportsground, and behind the front line of pines, there have been planted 75 pohutukawas, 18 kauri, 20 rimu, 22 totara, 6 hoheria, 6 rewarewa, 8 libocedrus, 4 lawsonia, 3 Norfolk pine, 1 Wellingtonia and 70 natives assorted for dense sky-line, a total of 233 major and dense foliage trees.

ON FLAGPOLE HILL.

On the flagpole hill, behind the outside stand on the racecourse, there have been planted 38 trees, comprising 3 sequoia, 3 thuja gigantea, 2 kauri and 30 pohutukawas, already 6 to 10 feet high and growing well. Trees planted on the hill between the pines and the racecourse on the south side of what is known as the racecourse walk total 115 and comprise 10 kauri, 6 libocedrus (cedar), 6 thuja gigantea, 3 Norfolk pine, 2 sequoia and 88 assorted natives.

On the west side of the sportsground behind the terraces have been planted 3 Wellingtonia gigantea and 20 assorted natives, while on the east side between the terraces and the hedge 70 pohutukawas and flowering gums are making substantial growth and will soon be a distinctive feature of this hillside.

On Victoria Road hill, from Carrington Road entrance to the superintendent’s residence, there have been planted on the sky-line 3 kauri, 7 Norfolk pine, 2 puriri, 5 libocedrus and 7 sequoia, and inside these 37 pongas, 15 kowhai, 110 pohutukawas and 50 assorted natives.

Many of these trees are already 16 feet in height and growing vigorously.

On the hillside east of the superintendent’s residence, where originally 6 pinus insignis trees were removed, some of them dying and dangerous, 80 assorted trees now from 3 to 15 feet in height are making excellent and dense growth.

On Victoria Road at the exposed south-west corner near the croquet courts 60 pohutukawas and 10 natives assorted have been planted. On the west side of the main lake and up to the tennis and croquet courts 60 evergreen oaks, 30 karo and 40 assorted natives are making good growth, while on Totora Hill, where none previously grew, 7 sky-line trees are doing well.

In addition to the trees planted on the Victoria Road frontage and already detailed, hedges of totara and pohutukawa have been established, and together with the trees in the superintendent’s garden provide a new and splendid breakwind from westerly, mountain and breakwater winds.

Also from the Vogeltown entrance right to Brooklands shelter and native trees have been planted which give efficient shelter from the mountain and southerly blows.

Approximately a further 600 trees, mostly native, have been planted throughout the park area, mainly to fortify weaker parts.

Of the trees that have been planted on the highest points for sky-line purposes the casual observer can gain no knowledge if his inspection is confined to the main paths, and it is essential to get on to the hilltops behind the groups of pines, and to the outer-skirts of the grounds, to appreciate the planting that had been done, and to get a realisation of the provision the committee has been making during the past few years to maintain and wherever possible ultimately improve the magnificence of the sky-line.

The foregoing takes no account at all of the vast amount of planting that has been done in Brooklands since the committee assumed control of that area just two years ago. In the interim the southern and western frontages of the native bush have been completely protected by shelter belts of lawsonia and suitable natives, while large numbers of kowhai, rewarewa and numerous other native bird-food trees have been established, to say nothing of the planting that has been done in the bush itself to strengthen the weaker positions.

To summarise it has not been, and is not, the policy of the committee or the opinion of the superintendent that a single tree should be removed unless it is dying, dangerous or standing in the way of a permanent or featural improvement. The committee realises it has a duty to succeeding generations as well as the present one, and is using its best and considered judgment in providing that so far as possible there shall be no long transitional period following the decease of the present pines and before new growth had replaced them.

INDIVIDUALITY OF PUKEKURA.

The committee is fully alive to the peculiar and characteristic individuality of Pukekura amongst parks, and is particularly careful to ensure the maintenance of its natural charm for the average citizen, and not allow it to develop into a botanical showground. The committee, however, is equally appreciative of the value of botanical features, and realises there can be added to New Plymouth’s many attractions a unique botanical collection of New Zealand’s unequalled wide range of forest trees, for the benefit of our own people, of visitors and of students, botanists and foresters. To provide this feature the ferneries have already been established. Under way is the Fillis Street gully botanical reserve of specimen native trees previously detailed. Further, within the past few months the committee decided on the establishment on waste Brooklands land of a forest of some acres in extent, of all major New Zealand timber trees.

The sum of £500 spread over four years has already been allotted for this new development, and work will start this autumn. Enthusiasts and experts in various parts of the Dominion have already expressed their pleasure with the committee’s decision in this connection. To plant the whole area that the committee has available for thig purpose will probably cost a further £100 to £1250, and the committee is hopeful from encouragement already evidenced by influential lovers of New Zealand flora, that the additional finance may be made available.

The $500 scheme about to be commenced will provide for the planting of 600 kauri and 150 each matai, puriri, rimu, kohekohe, birch, miro, kahikatea and many others of our usual timber trees. Should, as we hope, the ultimate scheme develop, an additional 5000 of these trees will be planted in the area, each variety in its own block. It requires little imagination to visualize such a forest 50 years hence; and nowhere in New Zealand is it possible to do so.

TH, MARCH 2, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

TREES MUST GO

PINES ON EASTERN TERRACE

PUKEKURA PARK SKYLINE

DEPUTATION UNSUCCESSFUL

COMMITTEE REAFFIRMS DECISION.

The Pukekura Park Committee last night heard the views of a deputation opposed to the felling of the pine trees on the eastern terrace of the sports ground and afterwards discussed again at length the whole question, finally affirming its decision that the trees must go as required in connection with the planting of a botanic forest reserve in the Fillis Street gully.

Suggestions were made by the deputation that there was an uneasy feeling among townspeople that the policy of the committee was eventually to cut out all the pinus insignus trees in the park, but this was warmly rejected by the committee, it being stated that no tree could be removed without a special resolution of the committee.

The petition presented by the deputation stated: —

“We, the undersigned burgesses of the borough of New Plymouth, respectfully request the rejection of the proposal (or recommendation) to fell the group of pine trees situated on the summit of the rise immediately behind the eastern terraces of the sportsground.

“As one of the outstanding features of this portion of the park from landscape attractiveness we deplore the suggestion of their removal and humbly submit that their destruction would seriously detract from the appearance of the eastern slope.”

The petition contained some 240 signatures, and the deputation consisted of Messrs. W. H. Skinner, H. M. Bacon, W. H. Woodward, G. Fraser and R. W. D

Robertson.

NOT THERE TO CRITICISE

Mr. Skinner said the deputation was not there to criticise the committee. It recognised the difficulties they had to deal with and he commended the chairman for having published recently a full account of the committee’s policy. This had disarmed a good deal of criticism on the part of some people, and while, as he had said, the deputation was not there to criticise, they did earnestly ask the committee to very carefully reconsider the whole question and to spare these trees. Mr. Skinner intimated that the deputation did not propose to offer any suggestions.

Mr. Bacon emphasised that the petition had been signed quite voluntarily. There had been no canvass at all.

Continuing, Mr. Bacon said it was largely to the grandeur and majesty of the pines that Pukekura Park owed its world-wide reputation as a beauty spot.

It was the majestic upward sweep or the noble trees surrounding it that gave that tranquility and dignity which placed it in higher category than the mere botanical gardens of other towns. He thought it would be a thousand pities if this unique feature were removed.

If this particular group of trees were decaying as some said, why not plant other trees now to take their place. It has been suggested that a line of trees planted on the other side of the hedge would eventually make the same feature or skyline and not interfere with the planting of the gully, but personally he did not think that any other tree than the pinus insignus could give the great artistic background to the native trees, shrubs and ferns that their sombre colour afforded. Therefore he ventured to say “do not condemn the pines, or you will rob your park of its majesty, which is its chief charm and scenic distinction.”

In conclusion he said it was then hoped that the presenting of the petition bearing the names of so many responsible and intelligent men and women would bring home the fact that there existed a very large body of public opinion against the removal of the trees.

GRANDEUR EMPHASISED.

Mr. Woodward, speaking in support of the petition, said that if one stood in the middle of the sports ground and looked towards the west one got the appearance of a neat suburban garden, while looking to the east the eye was lifted far above the skyline and one got the appearance of something like grandeur. They could get the neat suburban garden appearance in a very little while, but it took many years to get a framework of the grandeur these pine trees gave to the eastern terrace.

Mr. Fraser said there was a very uneasy feeling among the rank and file in the town regarding not only these trees but pine trees generally in the park. There was a rumour in circulation for instance, that pine trees along the entrance from Victoria Road were to go.

MEMBERS: NONSENSE!

Mr. Fraser: I am very glad to hear that. The committee, in face of that rumour should clearly define its attitude.

He expressed the hope that the committee would seriously consider the petition and stressed the point that there was very little, if any, active support of the policy in having the trees removed.

Mr. Fraser also referred to the removal some years ago of pine trees from the John Street frontage of the park and said the scar was still there.

Mr. Robertson said there was undoubtedly a great amount of public unrest that the policy of the committee was to do away with all the pines.

Mr. Amoore: That is not so.

Mr. Robertson: Then the committee should make it clear that it is not its policy.

Continuing, he said there was a body of public opinion definitely opposed to the removal of these trees, and he ventured to assert that the committee should consider public opinion. The main issue to-day was not perhaps so much the removal of these particular trees but the fear that the committee’s intention was the ultimate removal of all the pine trees in the park.

The chairman: There is no justification for saying that. There can, only be a small section of people who would think that surely.

Mr. Amoore: There is no justification for it at all.

Mr. Robertson: Trees have been removed from other parts of the park for the putting up of houses and these things have led to this fear. To take these trees down now would leave a very naked appearance and he suggested they might at least be left until trees already planted grew a little higher.

ALIVE TO RESPONSIBILITIES.

The chairman said the committee was very pleased to have this talk with the deputation. He would say at the outset that the committee was fully alive to its responsibilities. Not one member of the committee was keen to cut out a single tree at the park, and as a proof of that only 13 trees had been removed in 10 years. Surely that was sufficient answer to any suggestion that there was spoilation going on. The few trees that had cut down were either dying or menace to better and more beautiful trees.

“You gentlemen agree with the policy of the committee in setting aside a botanical forest reserve,” continued the chairman. “It is a policy the committee has had in view for some time, but we are assured it cannot go on while these trees remain. Have you thought of this? Are the public 20 years hence not entitled to have a skyline. These trees will not be there in 10 years. They are dying, and if not removed by the committee will have to come down of their own accord. So we propose cutting them down now with a view to the future—not for fun. I can assure you.

“The committee is anxious to provide that skyline we have heard so much about, but it cannot be done so long as these pines remain. Nothing would grow underneath them, for instance, and in the second place anything planted would be spoiled or ruined when the trees came down unless scaffolding was erected and they were brought down little at a time, which would be a very expensive method.

NOT CUTTING FOR FUN.

“These are the difficulties the committee is faced with,” said the chairman. “I repeat that we are not cutting down these trees for fun, or because anyone says they are ugly. We are cutting them down for the future and because we are advised that a botanical forest reserve cannot be built up while these trees are there.

“The trees it was proposed to plant are very high-growing trees, and will thus eventually provide a permanent skyline, rather than one limited to the life of pinus insignis, which is 60 to 80 years. If the deputation can suggest a way of getting over the difficulties I have enumerated the committee will give it serious consideration.

“Five years ago this matter was discussed and it was decided to take the trees out, but because of agitation the work had not been proceeded with. In December last year the decision was reaffirmed.”

Continuing, Mr. M’Leod said that only that night the committee had been advised that the Bruce Trust had agreed to make a grant of’ £250, spread over four years, to assist the planting scheme. This was in addition to the £500 granted by the Borough Council. The idea was to plant real forest trees in a new area at Brooklands which was at present in bracken, and in the Fillis Street gully.

Part of the Fillis Street gully had already been planted and the idea of removing the pine trees was to enable the planting on the western side to proceed.

AMPLE ROOM.

Mr. Skinner expressed the opinion that there was ample room to develop the planting without removing the pines in the meantime.

Mr. Amoore said he wished to emphasise the fact that the committee had no intention of felling all the pine trees in the park. The committee was not composed of destructive vandals.

Mr. Stainton: It was a ridiculous suggestion. No trees can be cut down without a special resolution of the committee.

Mr. Fraser: That was not, the case five years ago, when the trees at John Street were cut out.

Mr. Amoore: They were taken out by resolution of the committee.

Mr. Fraser: Members of the committee have told me that they had no idea so many trees were to come down or that there would be such devastation.

Mr. Stainton: None can be cut down except, by special resolution. Surely that should allay any feeling with the deputation or the public generally.

The chairman mentioned that the committee had not decided to take its present course entirely without outside approval. Members had invited the whole of the Borough Council to inspect the park and approval had been given of its plans for the future. “We are now scarring the skyline,” he admitted, “but the plain fact is that it must scarred sometime. We are providing for the future of the park.”

Mr. Skinner suggested that in any planting scheme at Fillis Street consideration should be given to tawa, titoki, rewarewa and kohekohe. It was a dry slope and these trees would do well there.

The deputation then withdrew.

LOOKING TO FUTURE.

The Mayor said he had listened attentively to the deputation and appreciated its sincerity, but looking to the future he was still firmly of the opinion that the trees must go if the committee was to carry out its scheme. Mr. Bennett and Mr. Just, two of the leading horticulturalists in New Zealand, had both expressed the opinion after visiting the park that the scheme could not be carried out if the trees remained there. He moved that the committee give effect to its previous decision that the be removed as and when required.

The chairman seconded the motion. He said they had been referred to as noble trees, but personally he did not agree with this. Some of them should have been removed years ago.

Mr. Short said he was very much against the trees being removed at this juncture. The statement that only 13 trees had been cut down in 10 years was absolutely wrong. He felt that trees could be planted there to give a sky line before the pine trees were removed. There was no need for all this hurry, and there was a large body of public opinion opposed to the committee on this question.

A member: There are only 239 names on the out of 5000 or 6000 people.

Mr. Short: But that does not signify anything. He knew, he said, that people had volunteered to take petitions round to get them signed.

The chairman: We have been asked to allow men to take round counter petitions.

“A BETTER PLAN.”

Mr. Short, continuing, said the better plan would be to plant quick-growing trees which would provide a sky line and then the pines could be cut down.

The chairman: But trees will not grow close to the pines.

Mr. Short: The park belongs to the people and not to the committee. Why brush aside public opinion?

Mr. Dempsey favoured the removal of the trees.

Mr. Bellringer said he could not see any reason for postponing action if they intended to carry on with the forest reserve scheme. He respected the views of the deputation, but pointed out that not once in all the time the Park Committee had existed had there been a definite improvement that had escaped criticism at the outset. Yet visitors told him to-day that they had one of the finest parks in world. The policy of the committee must therefore have been effective. It might be the easiest thing to agree to the request of the petitioners, but the committee had a public duty to perform and should do it. It was essential that they continue their forest reserve scheme.

Mr. Jackson congratulated Mr. Short on his fight to retain the pines. His regret was that other trees had not been planted years ago inside the sports ground fence to replace these straggling trees, which he considered must go. He thought, however, that they should immediately plant a row of pinus insignus on the inside of the sportsground fence. They would grow very rapidly and soon give them another sky line.

Mr. Amoore was opposed to further delaying the question. The pines should come down to make room for better class trees. When the forest reserve was planted it would be something unique in New Zealand.

TREES SHOULD NOT GO.

Mr. Varnham said he was still of the opinion that the trees should not be cut down. Other trees could be planted fairly close, and when they grew up then the pines could be felled along the top of the ridge without doing any damage. He did not agree with the suggestion that the trees were unsightly. On the other hand, he considered they provided a wonderful sky line.

He added that the names of Messrs. Bennett and Just had been mentioned, but he pointed out that they were horticulturists.

Mr. King suggested that the committee might pay the deputation the compliment of inspecting the trees with them and explaining what it was proposed to do to replace them. Why not postpone action and get them to go up with the committee and explain the plan carefully?

Mr. Stainton supported Mr. King’s suggestion.

An amendment was proposed that action be further deferred, but this was rejected and the original motion that the trees be removed was adopted. Those in favour of the motion were the chairman and Messrs. Amoore, Dempsey, Gilmour, Bellringer and Stainton, and those against were Messrs. Short, King, and Varnham.

Mr. Jackson gave notice of motion to move that the committee consider the question of planting pine trees along the eastern boundary of the sports ground.

TH, MARCH 2, 1936

BAND CONTEST CONCLUDES

QUICKSTEP COMPETITION

WONDERFUL PICTURE AT PARK

It is many years since there has been in New Plymouth such a picturesque scene as that of Saturday afternoon at Pukekura Park, when the Dominion band contest concluded with the spectacular quickstep competition. Big crowds there may have been in the sportsground on other occasions, but it only rarely that such a gathering takes place in summer-time when the colours of dresses are added to the natural beauties of the setting in which the display took place. The quickstep competition in a band contest is always the “show day” of the event, and it makes a very strong and a very wide appeal as an attractive, spectacular entertainment.

From an early hour in the morning people began to make their way to the park, prepared, for the sake of securing a good position, to make a picnic of the day. By mid-day the terraces were filling rapidly and when the bands began to arrive on the ground from the street marching competition it looked as though the terraces round the ground would hold no more people, but there were still thousands flocking in at the main and other entrances until, with double rows on all the terraces, there could be seen little or nothing of the hillsides on which the people were seated and the whole place was transformed into a colourful picture with beautiful setting made by nature. Movement added to the brilliance of the spectacle. Special trains brought visitors from as far away as Wellington and Auckland, and all intermediate centres, and it estimated that attendance at the park could not have been less than from 14,000 to 15,000.

The scene on the playing area of the ground had its colourful attractions as well as those of the marching and playing of the competing bands. Uniforms looked their best, and the shining buttons and the gold and silver facings on some of the uniforms sparkled as the sunlight caught them at one point or another, while the gleam of the highly-polished instruments had a dazzling effect at some points.

The bands were marshalled under the southern terrace, and the whole arrangements were splendidly designed and admirably carried out, and the committee may well feel proud of the achievement, as far as the organisation of that part of the contest was concerned.

The contest was in two sections, for A grade and B grade bands, and promptly on time the first of the B grade bands came into line at the appointed place for inspection. As a fact a number or bandsmen and others who have had much experience in the management of quickstep competitions, said it was a rare thing for the event to get such a prompt start.

TDN, MARCH 7, 1936

PUKEKURA PINES

200 NAMES ON PETITION

PRESERVATION STRONGLY URGED

More than 200 people have signed a petition in favour of preserving the pine trees at the top of the eastern terrace at Pukekura Park, despite the fact that the petition had not been canvassed in any way. The document is kept at Mr. H. M. Bacon’s shop in Devon Street and is open only to residents of New Plymouth. Above it is an etching of the threatened trees, so that there should be no confusion in the minds of the signatories as to which, trees were meant.

The general opinion of people signing the petition seems to be that beautiful though the park and the sportsground are they would lose very definitely by the felling of the pines in question. The park would be like a picture without a frame,

Although many visitors have wished to sign the protest at the Park Board’s intended action, permission has been refused as the document is to express local opinion exclusively.

TDN, MARCH 10, 1936

LIGHTING FOR SPORTS

PUKEKURA PARK NEGOTIATIONS.

ATHLETIC CLUB AND COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the executive of the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club was held last night, when there were present Dr. G. H. Thomson (chairman), C. H. Croker, G. Sullivan, M. Comber, R. L. Hains, V. Hodgson and W. Wilson (secretary).

Mr. Croker outlined his negotiations with the Pukekura Park committee of the New Plymouth Borough Council regarding the taking over of the electric lighting system on the sportsground. He proposed to the committee, he said, that the club’s indebtedness to the council be cancelled and that the council through the committee take over and maintain the lighting for the future, with the granting of free light in perpetuity for the club. He was unable to gain a definite answer and reach an agreement with the committee. The question of free lighting proved the main stumbling block, but even on the other two proposals he was unable to arrive at any decision.

He had come to the conclusion, Mr. Croker added, that no further progress could be made in negotiations with the park committee and that the club should approach the New Plymouth Borough Council direct. Failing this he thought that it should seriously consider some of the inquiries that had been made for the purchase of the equipment.

It was decided to make the necessary arrangements for a deputation headed by Mr. Croker to wait on the council. Dr. Thomson, Messrs. Croker, Comber and Wilson were appointed a sub-committee to make arrangements.

TH, MARCH 12, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

TREE PLANTING

BROOKLANDS AND PUKEKURA PARK

GRANT FROM BRUCE TRUST.

The Pukekura Park Committee recently made an application to the trustees of the R. C. Bruce estate (Hunterville) asking for assistance towards its scheme for the planting of certain areas of Brooklands, and also a botanic forest reserve at the Fillis Street gully, and at last night’s meeting of the committee it was reported that a grant of £250 spread over four years had been approved. There were present at the meeting the Hon. J. McLeod (chairman), the Mayor (Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour), Messrs. F. Amoore, H. Dempsey, E. Jackson, E. King, W. F. Short, C. E. Bellringer, F. S. Varnham, and P. E. Stainton (hon. secretary).

In acknowledging the committee’s original application, the trustees pointed out that they had received quite a number of applications for assistance, and that they already had some commitments. However, it would not be overlooked that New Plymouth citizens had shown a wonderful public spirit in the past. The beautiful reserves were a positive delight to visitors. They also asked to be supplied with a copy of the superintendent’s report. In a subsequent letter the trustees expressed their approval of the proposals, and intimated that they were prepared to subsidise the work outlined to the extent of £250 spread over four years. The hope was expressed that one of the trustees would be able to visit New Plymouth at an Early date.

The Borough Council has agreed to provide £500 spread over a period of four years, and the chairman said that the grant from the Bruce trustees would enable the committee to carry out its complete scheme, the planting of Brooklands and the botanic reserve at the Fillis Street gully.

Members of the committee expressed their keen appreciation of the generous response of the trustees, and the secretary was instructed to write them accordingly.

TDN, MARCH 12, 1936

PINES TO FALL

PETITION’S FAILURE

DECISION OF COMMITTEE

PUKEKURA PARK SKYLINE

LONG ARGUMENT ENDED

The pine trees oil the crest of the eastern terrace at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, are to be felled. By seven votes to three the Pukekura Park Committee last night affirmed its decision to remove them, despite the appeal of a deputation of influential citizens that the trees should be spared.

Members of the board warmly refuted suggestions by members of the deputation that it was the policy of the board to cut out all the pine trees in the park. Every tree that was cut down had first to be the subject of a special resolution, and the decision to remove the pines on the eastern terrace was made with one object only in view—to provide for the future beauty of the park and the institution of a botanical afforestation reserve that would unique in new Zealand.

The deputation which asked the committee to reconsider its previous decision was led by Mr. W. H. Skinner and comprised otherwise Messrs. H. M. Bacon, W. H. Woodward, Gordon Fraser and R. W. D. Robertson. Mr. Skinner read a petition signed by 230 residents, “We the undersigned burgesses of the borough of New Plymouth respectfully request rejection of the proposal or recommendation to fell the group of pine trees situated on the summit of the rise immediately behind the eastern terrace of the sportsground,” the petition stated. “As one of the outstanding features of this portion of the park from landscape attractiveness, we deplore the suggestion of their removal and humbly submit their destruction would seriously detract from the appearance of the eastern terrace slope.”

Mr. Skinner thanked the board for publishing the full reasons for its decision and emphasised that it was not the deputation’s object to offer criticism of the park committee’s policy. He merely asked that the committee reconsider the step it had decided to take.

GRANDEUR OF PINES.

Mr. Bacon emphasised that the petition presented had been signed voluntarily by 230 citizens. Signatures had not been canvassed for. It was largely to the grandeur of the pines, he claimed, that Pukekura Park owed its world­wide reputation. The majestic sweep of the pines gave it charm and dignity. It has been suggested that a line of other trees would not alter the skyline, but he personally thought that pinus insignia was the only variety that could give the same effect of simple majesty.

“On entering the park gates look to the west,” said Mr. Woodward, “and you have the effect of a neat, suburban garden. Look to the east and you have something like grandeur.”

Mr. Fraser claimed that there was a very uneasy feeling abroad about the policy of the committee generally. He referred to the pine trees cut out on the John Street frontage five years ago, and there was a short brisk interchange with members, who warmly declared that the idea was ridiculous and unjustified. “The scar of that action in John Street is still there,” declared Mr. Fraser, “and is giving birth to the rumour.” At least 200 enthusiasts had signed a petition without canvassing, he declared, and the committee must admit that there was very little active support of its suggestion to destroy the eastern terrace pines.

“There is a fear abroad that the committee intends to do away with all the pine trees in the park,” said Mr. Robertson, supporting other members of the deputation. This immediately brought interjections of. “Rot! Nonsense!” from members of the committee. “The public would express itself very forcibly if you would give it the opportunity,” declared Mr. Robertson. “This matter is very important and the only way the public can express its opinion is by petition. The more secure the committee is in its position the more it should be prepared to meet public opinion.”

The Hon. James McLeod: There is no justification for that. If it is the public feeling that the committee wants to do away with the pines in the park it is utterly unwarranted.

Mr. Robertson: Why not leave the pine trees there for a few years more until the pohutukawa screen grows up?

COMMITTEE’S INTENTIONS.

Mr. McLeod reiterated that the committee had not the slightest intention of cutting trees out of the park. Figures showed that the committee had felled only 13 trees in ten years—and then only when they were dying or a menace to better and more beautiful trees.

“Do you gentlemen not agree with the committee’s intention to establish a botanical reserve in the Fillis Street gully?’ he asked. “Well, until those trees come down the scheme cannot go on. Are not the people 20 years hence entitled to a skyline? In ten years the pine trees all this fuss is being made over will not be there. They will have come down—of their own accord. So we are cutting them down now with a view of the future—not for fun!”

A botanical afforestation reserve could not be built up with the old pines arresting the growth of the native trees explained Mr. McLeod. If the deputation was so much concerned with the future of the park could it not suggest a way out of the difficulty? At least the committee was entitled to hear alternative suggestions. “We cannot find any that are practical, nor can our experts,” he added. “The Bruce Trust will give us £250 to go ahead with another of our planting schemes. They are people who know, whose duty it is to know, that the money is being spent on trees.”

Mr. McLeod further explained that the trees it was proposed to plant to replace the old pines included cedars, Norfolk pines and redwoods.

Mr. Skinner: There is no need to sacrifice the trees in the meanwhile. There is ample space for planting at the head of the gully and towards Fillis Street.

Mr. F. Amoore: There is no intention to fell pines indiscriminately in the park. We are not destructive vandals!

BY RESOLUTION.

Mr  P. E. Stainton: It is ridiculous. No trees can be cut except by special resolution of the committee.

Mr Fraser: Was that the case five years ago when the trees near John Street were taken down?

Mr. Amoore: They were taken down by resolution of the board.

Mr. Fraser: And yet members of the board told me they had no idea of the devastation that would be wrought.

Mr. C. E. Bellringer: That is not the case. They were taken down by resolution of the board.

Mr. Stainton remarked that if the problem had been considered by the board 10 or 15 years ago there might have been no argument. However, that consideration had not been given and the present committee must face the facts. Four of the trees were rapidly dying if they were not already dead.

Mr. McLeod further stated that the committee had not decided to take its present course entirely without outside approval. Members had invited the whole of the Borough Council to inspect the park and approval had been given of its plans for the future. “We are now scarring the skyline,” he admitted, “but the plain fact is that it must be scarred sometime. We are providing for the future of the park.”

Mr. Skinner suggested that consideration be given the merits of planting tawa, titoki, rewarewa and kohe kohe trees when the ridge was being planted.

The deputation then withdrew and the committee considered the advisability of meeting the request of the petitioners.

“I appreciate the sincerity of the deputation,” said Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour, “but I am of the firm opinion that we must consider the future and take down those trees to carry on our scheme. We are not without expert assurance that the scheme cannot be gone on with unless the pines are felled. For that we have the advice of Messrs. Bennett and Just, two of the Dominion’s leading horticulturists. I move that the resolution that we have already agreed to be carried out.

Mr. McLeod: Personally, I cannot see one noble tree in the whole bunch. They should have been taken out years ago.

Mr. W. F. Short, however, was firmly opposed to the removal of the trees. Mistakes, he declared, had been made in the past, and he was forced to the opinion that the pines should be left until other trees planted had grown. Even then, no trees that could possibly be planted would ever make the same skyline. “In any case,” he said, “pohutukawas, which comprise the bulk of the trees to be planted there, will never make a skyline. Never is a long time, you know!”

Mr. Stainton: But we have already explained that there are cedars, redwoods and Norfolk pines to be planted there.

Mr. Short: Why hurry? The trees cannot be planted this year, anyway. I would like to point out that the petition presented to-night does not represent the entire opinion of the public. That petition was not canvassed……..

OFFERS OF COUNTER-PETITION.

Mr. McLeod: I can tell you that we have had offers of a counter-petition!

Mr. Short: All right I’ll challenge you to get up two petitions.

A voice: What rot!

Mr. Short persisted in his appeal for the trees. “Why not wait ten years?” he asked, until the new skyline trees were two-thirds of their full height.

Mr. McLeod: We have had strong advice that other trees will not grow while they are there.

Mr. Short: That park belongs to the people, not to the Park Committee. Why brush aside public objections? Why put a botanical garden there in the Fillis Street gully?

Mr. McLeod: There is no question of putting a botanical garden there, man! It is to be a reserve of native trees; a botanical reserve.

After further argument Mr. Short reiterated his opinion that trees could be planted that would grow up to screen the break when the old trees came down.

Mr. H. Dempsey said that in his opinion the trees on the eastern terrace were straggly specimens and should soon come out. There was no question of the committee cutting recklessly.

Mr. C. E. Bellringer said that there was no reason for the committee to delay action further. At the extreme limit, the present trees had 10 to 15 years of life. If they fell they would crush other growing trees. It was essential that the committee continue with its scheme for the establishment of a small forest reserve. He respected the views of the deputation. “Not once in all the time the park committee has existed,” he declared, “has there been a definite improvement that has escaped public criticism. Yet visitors to-day tell us that we have one of the finest parks in the world. Our policy must at least have been effective. It might be the easiest thing to acquiesce in the request of these petitioners, but we have a public duty to do, and we should do it.

“THE PINES MUST GO!”

Mr. E. Jackson said his only regret was that the Park Committee had not cut out more old, straggly trees and had new green trees coming on. “The pines must go,” he said.

Mr. Amoore, supporting the motion, declared that the Fillis Street plantation would, when the trees had grown, be something unique in New Zealand.

Mr. F. S. Varnham decided not to support the proposal to cut the trees, “I still think they have many more years of life,” he said, “and I don’t think they are at all unsightly. They still form a wonderful skyline.”

Mr. Gilmour: Can you suggest anything else?

Mr. Varnham: Yes. Plant behind them on the edge of the ridge. After all, Messrs. Bennett and Just are more interested in horticulture than in forestry. I don’t see why their advice should be taken without question. After all, they look at it from the point of view of nurserymen.

Mr. E. King suggested that the committee might pay the deputation the compliment of inspecting the trees with them and explaining what it was proposed to do to replace them. “Why not postpone action and get them to go up with the committee and explain your plan carefully?” he asked.

Members of the committee gravely doubted that there would be attendance at such an inspection. Members were tired of inspecting the trees again and again. There seemed no reason to delay action.

Mr. McLeod: It took 60 years to make that skyline. In ten years it won’t be there. We must provide against it—and quickly.

Mr. Stainton supported Mr. King’s suggestion of a joint inspection, and an amendment to Mr. Gilmour’s motion of affirmation was moved, but lost.

Then, after a discussion lasting more than two hours, the committee decided to affirm its decision to cut the trees without further ado.

The official section of the minutes confirmed read: “A general discussion took place on the advisability of removing the pinus insignis trees on the eastern terrace, and on the motion of Messrs. McLeod and Short it was resolved that the principle of the trees being removed be approved, but that action be delayed for three months.”

This motion was passed at a meeting of the committee on December 10, 1935. Messrs. King, Varnham and Short voted against its confirmation.

Mr. Short later explained that he had seconded the motion under the impression that it merely proposed to delay action.

TDN, MARCH 16, 1936

THE POET’S BRIDGE

……. While on the subject of the picturesqueness of the park, might I suggest that something be done to ameliorate the hideousness of the “Poet’s Bridge?” It was recently stated that the gale had caused damage to the bridge which would necessitate some money being spent on repairs. It would seem to be a good opportunity to alter it in some way, so that it would no longer be such a blot on an otherwise lovely landscape. If it is too big a proposition to reconstruct it, at least it might be painted a less conspicuous colour, so that it would fade somewhat into the background, and those terrible pseudo nautical emblems done away with.

Some day we might get a Japanese to design for us a really lovely bridge. Anyone who has been in Japan will recollect their genius for building bridges to harmonise with their surroundings (such as the famous Nikko bridge, or the lovely one in the public park in Tokio). Our park is worthy of something better than the existing monstrosity in white and red.—I am, etc.

New Plymouth, March 13

TDN, MARCH 23, 1936

NEW COLOURS

TARANAKI REGIMENT

Fourteen thousand people saw the most impressive of all military ceremonies, the consecration and dedication of regimental colours, at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, yesterday afternoon. In brilliant sunshine and summer heat the Taranaki Regiment paraded its historic old colours for the last time and received at the hands of the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, new colours blazoned with its battle honours. On only one occasion previously has New Plymouth seen, the full trooping of the colour. Seventy-five years ago the Taranaki Volunteer Rifle Regiment received its colours from Mrs. Warre at Poverty Flat, where the Central school now stands.

Not only was the ceremony unique in character. It was memorable for its brilliance and for the interest taken by the public in an occasion of great historic significance for the regiment.

As a spectacle the parade and evolutions of the troops in the complicated ceremonial procedure of the trooping was remarkable and stirring. The terraces were packed three and four deep by people in bright summer dress. The green, velvet-smooth area of the sportsground was slashed with the scarlet of insignia. The arms and accoutrements of 250 officers and men glinted and sparkled in a flood of sunlight. The drab khaki of the troops seemed to add rather than, detract from the impressive dignity of the ceremony. The crowd itself provided the kaleidoscope. When the towering masses on the terraces rose to the salutes and to the passing of the King’s colour, the impression given was that of parti-coloured tapestry woven and flung over the margins of the amphitheatre in the space of a second.

CROWD’S KEEN INTEREST.

In the arena itself the troops traced the lines of a great design on the green­sward, to the roll of drums and the brave blare of military music. The precision with which each complicated mass movement was carried out at times held from the crowd an almost breathless interest. Now and again there sounded a running crackle of applause.

Only excellent training in battalion drill and careful rehearsal accounted for the precision of the marching and the public was quickly appreciative of each difficult manoeuvre accurately carried out.

Two brief addresses only were given at the presentation ceremony, that of His Excellency the Governor-General and that of Lieut.-Colonel Varnham in reply,

“To-day is historic in the annals of the battalion because of the presentation of new colours,” said Lord Galway when the presentation to the colour party had been made. “On the colours are emblazoned honours the regiment gained in the Great War. I need not remind you, children as you all are of stirring days, of the story of the formation of the volunteers 80 years ago, for the protection of lives and property. To-day the Maori and pakeha are living in the friendliest relationship, cemented by the fact that there are, as I know, Maoris in the present battalion. That is a happy sign.”

Though colours were not now carried into battle they were a symbol of loyalty to King and country, ever reminding that the Crown was the great link of Empire.

“I congratulate all those who did so much to make a success of the presentation,” said His Excellency. “I congratulate, too, all ranks on the turn-out and the precision with which the complicated manoeuvres necessary in trooping of the colour have been carried out.”

THIRTY BATTLE HONOURS.

The 30 battle honours won by the regiment could not all be emblazoned on the new colour, but in 30 great battles men of the district had upheld the high honour won by the New Zealand division. Just before he left for New Zealand he had inspected the war graves in France. At Ypres, Messines, the Somme, and other battlefields where the New Zealand division had distinguished itself there lay for all time those who died when their strong patriotism moved them to fight in the cause of justice.

“To-day we live in peaceful times but though we hope it will not arise we must be prepared against emergency,” said Lord Galway. “This is a red letter day to me at the close of my first year in New Zealand. I extend to you my good wishes for your success, efficiency and happiness.”

Colonel Varnham, in reply, said that the regiment was deeply sensible of the great honour done it by His Excellency. It was a proud day and one that would go down in regimental history.

The old regimental colours had been presented to the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers more than 70 years ago not half a mile away from Pukekura Park. It was pleasing to have present representatives of the three campaigns in which the regiment had played a part, the Maori War, the South African War. and the Great War. It was pleasing, too, that the ceremony should be witnessed by so large a number of friends of the regiment.

The regiment was sensible of its great responsibility to traditions established and to the memory of men who had given their lives for their country. As commanding officer he appealed to all ranks to live up to a great reputation and keep a sacred trust imposed upon them.

TDN, MARCH 30, 1936

SHAGS DESTROYED.

Several shags have been destroyed at Pukekura Park in recent weeks by members of the park staff. They are notorious for their depredations on carp and other small fish and the inhabitants of the lakes at the park therefore make easy prey for them. A shag seen mingling with the ducks on the concrete steps by the upper lake recently showed its temerity by staying there even when a man approached within a few yards. Another was seen flying round the lakes in the weekend, but its expedition was evidently short-lived, for a shot was heard a few minutes after it had been sighted by the caretaker.

TH, APRIL 22, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

PINES IN THE PARK

A further step has been taken in respect of the controversy relating to the pine trees in Pukekura Park, and at last night’s meeting of the committee a report was received from the superintendent in the form of answers to a questionnaire submitted to him by the chairman of the committee (the Hon. James Mcleod, M.L.C.) in which Mr. Horton expressed in frank, but sincere, terms his opinions relating to the value of the pines and their length of useful life as ornaments in the grounds.

The questions and answers are as follows and they will be considered by the committee at its next meeting. Mr. Horton was asked as to:

(1) The possibility of planting some pinus insignis or similar variety near the top of the terraces and on the sportsground side of the hedge where they might not affect the growth of the trees to be planted on the slope of the Fillis Street gully.

Answer: I cannot recommend planting pines or similar large-growing trees on the sportsground side of the hedge, firstly because they would be too near the terraces, and secondly because their shadow would completely cover the terraces or extend to some distance on the playing area during the early part of the day. This would apply more in the winter than in the summer. It is possible, however, to plant a short row of pines over the hedge extending from the end tree of those to be felled in a southerly direction to the brow of the hill, a distance of approximately four chains. While this scheme would be possible I do not recommend it for the reason that large-growing trees of a more permanent nature are already planted and are doing well. The success of these trees would be seriously jeopardised if pines we planted.

(2) The advisability and possibility of fortifying the pines south of the sportsground either for planting amongst the existing pines or behind them and the kauris, etc., on the John Street path.

It is possible to plant a few pines amongst and behind these, but they could not possibly make satisfactory growth; but a position just to the east of these trees is quite suitable for planting and a group of pines or other trees planted here would fill the gap where the large macrocarpas were blown down. If it is decided to plant this class of tree in this position the few natives already planted would require to be removed.

(3) The possibility of planting a few pinus insignis or similar trees to maintain the density and skyline on Cannon Hill.

Yes. There is room on this hill for quite a few trees. Either lawsoniana or pines. It would be useless to plant under the pines and to be sure of any success planting would have to be done in the open, grassed area.

(4) The possibility of fortifying similarly in any degree the hillside west of the main lake.

This cannot be done. Any trees planted here would only grow weak, thin and spindly. There is not sufficient room between these trees and the tennis or croquet lawns to plant more trees. Many are already planted among the pines and it is hoped they will ultimately fill the vacancy between the ground level and the lower branches of the pines. Additional planting can only be done by encroaching on the tennis greens.

(5) Similarly the hillside east of the main lake and west of the racecourse.

Yes. There is room here for a few trees which might be planted with a fair prospect of success, not actually amongst the present growing trees, but in gaps and spaces at the immediate rear of them.

“I LOVE AND WORSHIP THEM.”

“Having your inquiries,” wrote Mr. Horton, “I would like to state that the height and density of pine growth giving Pukekura Park the peculiar character which it has enjoyed for so many years and exists to-day is enjoyed by no one more than myself, and it is with deepest feelings of sorrow that occasionally I have to recommend the removal of a tree. I love and Worship them, and it is with feelings of extreme regret that I am compelled to report that in my opinion it will be impossible to maintain them in their present condition for an indefinite period; in fact, most of them are in a state of deterioration now and in less than 20 years not more than a score will be alive and healthy, and probably not so many as that.

“Experience has taught me that decaying and rotten branches such as are to be seen on most of the pines here, if not removed, hasten the deterioration of the tree. Those stately and majestic trees on either side of Carrington Road walk, which were a menace and a grave danger to pedestrians a few years ago, and from which I had all the lower dead and dying branches removed, are the admiration of everybody who sees them. They have considerably improved since they were so treated and will probably live and do well for another 10 years. To extend the life and preserve the other pines in a healthier condition it is essential that dying, dead, and rotten branches should be removed. I strongly suggest that everything possible should be done to maintain the present group of pines in as healthy a condition as possible for as long as possible.

“I might further add that in my opinion the conifer and other trees planted and growing on all hilltops in the park and behind present groups of pines will ultimately be just as effective as the pines and more majestic, because of their superiority as trees, and they will be of a permanent character.

“Any decision to plant more pines in this park I cannot conscientiously recommend and would look upon such action as retrograde. In this opinion I am supported by all park curators and superintendents of this country.”

TDN, APRIL 22, 1936

SPORTSGROUND LIGHT

ARRANGEMENT DRAWN UP.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL.

An Arrangement for the taking over by the New Plymouth Borough Council of the Pukekura Park sportsground lighting plant from the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic Club on terms satisfactory to the club was formulated at a meeting of the Pukekura Park committee last night. The provisions of the transfer will be forwarded to the council for ratification and meet the approval of the committee members. After hearing a deputation from the club led by Dr. G. H. Thomson the committee decided to recommend the council to take over the lighting plant from the club without payment of compensation, to put it in order at an estimated cost of £20, and in consideration of the exchange to write off £20 1s 6d owing by the club for goods and current.

If the arrangement is ratified the park committee will maintain the plant for five years and grant the club free use of the installation for meetings on condition it pays the council for actual current consumed. The committee will at its own cost erect the plant as required on receipt of three days’ notice. The club will pay the committee a percentage of gate takings at any meetings, the percentage to be fixed from time to time, as may be necessary. The present charge will be 15 per cent. Where no charge for admission to a meeting is made the club will pay the committee the sum of 2s 6d and pay the caretaker for his services.

In the event of the arrangement not being renewed at the expiry of five years the ownership of the plant will revert to the club, less a contingent liability of £20 and any extraordinary expenditure incurred in upkeep during the period.

Dr. Thomson recounted the history of the proposition and remarked that he was convinced the committee would receive a paying proposition in taking over control of the plant. He expressed his satisfaction with the terms formulated by the committee and thanked it for its interest in the matter.

TDN, MAY 5, 1936

PUKEKURA PARK LIGHTS.

The conditions of transfer of the track lighting equipment at Pukekura Park from the New Plymouth Athletic Club to the council, as negotiated by the Pukekura Park committee with representatives of the club was approved.

TDN, MAY 12, 1936

PUKEKURA PARK TREES

COMMITTEE’S DECISION

1. HORTON’S REPORT DISCUSSED.

TWELVE PINES TO BE PLANTED.

SOME QUESTIONS NOT SETTLED.

The planting of pines in different portions of Pukekura Park was a controversial matter raised during discussion of suggestions placed before the Pukekura Park committee last night by the superintendent, Mr. T. H. Horton, The suggestions, drafted in answer to a questionnaire submitted by the board, were held over for discussion from last month’s meeting but only two of five points were settled, last night.

The superintendent could not recommend planting pines or similar large growing trees on the sportsground side of the hedge to the east of the ground, firstly because their shadow would completely cover the terraces or extend some distance on the playing area in the early part of the day. It was possible to plant a short row of pines over the hedge extending from the end tree of those to be felled in a southerly direction to the brow of the hill, but Mr. Horton did not recommend it because large growing trees of a permanent nature, now growing well, would be jeopardised if pines were planted.

On the motion of Hon. J. McLeod it was decided not to plant any further large trees on the sportsground side of the hedge.

Dealing with the possible work suggested by Mr. Horton, Mr. C. E. Bellringer moved that no pines should be planted on the area where there was standing forest unless necessary under the botanical scheme.

Mr. E. Jackson contended that trees about 12ft. apart should be planted on the park side of the hedge in view of the fact that they would give a skyline in four or five years’ time when the big pines were removed. In planting pines shelter would be given exotic trees now growing.

Mr. W. F. Short supported this view, and stated that pines would have the advantages of height and quick growth.

Pines, particularly when grown a fair distance apart, would smother any trees now growing, contended Mr. Horton.

“It is this particular section of the park which has caused all the discussion and noise so far,” pointed out the chairman.

The present trees were growing remarkably well, said Mr. Bellringer, and would reach maturity almost as quickly as the pines suggested to give a better appearance to the skyline, The chairman concurred with these views and an amendment moved by Mr. Jackson was lost by five votes to three.

SOUTH SIDE OF SPORTSGROUND.

In answer to a question regarding the advisability and possibility of fortifying the pines south of the sportsground, the report stated that it was possible to plant a few pines among and behind them but they could not possibly make satisfactory growth. A position to the cast was quite suitable but if it was decided to plant a group of pines or other trees there a few natives already planted would require removal.

The planting of trees would give efficient shelter to the ground, said the chairman, and Mr. Bellringer agreed that pines would be suitable for the purpose. Mr. McLeod accordingly moved that up to 12 pines should be planted.

Mr. F. Amoore was opposed to planting pines if anything better could be obtained.

“Pines will fill the bill in this place because they will rise high so quickly,” said the superintendent. “I look upon it as a retrograde step to plant pines in a park like this, but if we do it will also appease those who do not want the pines on the hill cut down. At the same time other trees which would not grow as quickly would be denser.

The board finally decided to plant pines, the motion being carried by six votes to three.

Mr. Horton reported that there was room on Cannon Hill, between the band and the dressing shed, for a few Lawsonianas or pines. To be sure of any success the planting would have to be done in the open, grassed area.

The chairman said that the ground was admirable for planting but questioned which trees should be used.

A tree denser than the pine and with a longer life was needed, said Mr. Bellringer, to take the place of the present trees when they died.

Mr. Horton suggested that 10 to 14 specimen trees of three or four varieties could be planted, the species suggested reaching about 50ft high in 20 years if cultivated well.

It was decided to inspect the area behind the southern terrace and on Cannon Hill before reaching any decision. The board will view the ground on Monday morning.

The possibility of fortifying the hillside to the west of the main lake on the Vogeltown side was discounted by the report. Any trees planted would grow weak, thin and spindly. Many trees were already planted among the pines and it was hoped that they would ultimately fill the vacancy between the ground level and the lower branch of the pines.

This part of the park was most difficult to deal with and would be one of the problems of the board, said Mr. Bellringer, in moving that a decision should be deferred until after the inspection of the park.

Mr. Horton reported that there was room on the hillside east of the main lake and west of the racecourse for planting with a fair amount of success in gaps and spaces at the immediate rear of the present growing trees, A decision was also deferred until after the inspection.

TDN, MAY 12, 1936

GRAPE VINES TO GO

CONSERVATORY FOR BROOKLANDS

PUKEKURA PARK OPERATIONS.

The unsatisfactory condition of the conservatory at Brooklands resulted in a decision by the Pukekura Park committee last night to remove the building and transfer its contents to the grape house. In his report the superintendent, Mr. T. Horton, said the policy of the committee regarding the conservatory and the grape house would have to be defined for the condition of the conservatory was such that it would have to be either demolished or rebuilt. He suggested that the vines should be removed from the vinery because sufficient time could not be given to their attention and they did not pay. The grape house was sound and in good condition and when the vines were removed it could be used as a conservatory. It was essential, concluded Mr. Horton, that immediate action should be taken.

The old conservatory was rotten and could not last much longer, said Mr. E. King, and although the grape house was sound only about £25 a year was received from it. Although many visitors found the grape house an attraction the committee had to consider the advantages of the conservatory.

The committee decided to sell the conservatory for removal and to move the plants to the grape house. The vines, which are too old to be transplanted, will be cut down.

A great deal of rough weather had been experienced during the month, reported the superintendent, with the result. that the tops were broken off two or three large trees and branches off others. No serious damage, however, was done. The Poet’s Bridge was still in a very bad condition and required immediate attention. Good progress was being made with the tree-planting facing Brooklands Road. For the Fillis Street botanic native reserve the Auckland City Council had offered any native trees required. Generous offers of trees and plants for the same purpose were also received from all the leading civic superintendents in New Zealand. As the result of these offers New Plymouth would probably have the most complete collection of native flora in the Dominion. This planting could not be completed at present, however.

In approving the report the committee decided to ask the New Plymouth Borough Council to prepare an urgent report on the condition of the Poet’s Bridge.

A request from the Stratford Windsor Park committee for the services of the superintendent to visit the park in an advisory capacity was approved. The borough engineer asked Mr. Horton to supervise the planning of terraces at Western Park. The committee agreed and decided to give 120 pohutukawa trees to the park. Mr. Horton will also visit Inglewood in connection with planting.

A further protest at the condition of the road leading to Brooklands was made by Mr. C. E. Bellringer, who said that although the Mayor, Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour, had considered the road the most disgraceful in the town nothing had been done about it by the council. It was decided to draw the attention of the council again to the dangerous state of the road.

A credit balance of £133 8s 10d was shown in a statement of receipts reconciling the cash book with bank balances at April 30, 1936. The year opened with a credit balance of £66 6s 7d and receipts were £221 18s. Outgoings accounted for £154 15s 9d.

Members agreed that the gun of the ship Harriet, now at Brooklands, would keep in better condition in the museum, and a request for its transfer made by the New Plymouth public library and museum committee was complied with.

The chairman, the Hon. J. McLeod, M.L.C. presided over Messrs. H. Dempsey, F. Amoore, E. King, F. S. Varnham, E. Jackson, W. F. Short, C. E. Bellringer, F. Parker and E. J. Carr (secretary).

TDN, MAY 12, 1936

FUTURE OF PARK

SPORTS GROUND IMPROVEMENT.

ADDITIONAL TERRACES PLANNED.

Details of proposed extensive alterations to the sports ground terraces at Pukekura Park were placed before the Pukekura Park committee last night in a verbal report by Mr. E. Jackson on behalf of the sports ground committee. The alterations, which included provision for the formation of 11 terraces on the southern side of the ground instead, of eight at present and the linking of the southern and eastern terraces, were estimated to involve about £700. The board decided to apply to the Unemployment Board, through the New Plymouth Borough Council, for the work to be carried out under unemployment relief.

The extension of the two lowest terraces on the southern side to join the eastern terraces and complete the sector of the circle would not affect the trees in the gully behind the extension said Mr. Jackson. A roadway would be formed in front of the extension and the rail would be taken out to form a sweeping circle which would also involve alterations near the dressing shed.

The board will inspect the ground on Monday when detailed plans will be available.

TDN, MAY 19, 1936

TREES FOR SHELTER

PUKEKURA PARK BELTS

DECISION MADE BY COMMITTEE.

CONIFERS AND PINUS INSIGNIS.

FULL INSPECTION OF RESERVE.

Walking round the outer boundaries of Pukekura Park early yesterday morning, eight members of the New Plymouth park committee made a thorough inspection of the reserve to consider provision of wind protection by shelter belts of trees. Decision was made to plant principally a number of the American coniferous species, thuja gigantea, and a few pinus insignis.

Four blocks in particular were inspected. The first was the left hand comer of the southern terrace, where two large macrocarpa trees were blown down a few years ago. There has been a weakness in the shelter here and the planting of 33 trees of different varieties will fill the gap. The top row will be pinus insignis trees and the rest will be mainly thuja gigantea. There are many specimens of these fine trees already in the park, where they have proved very successful for plantation purposes.

The second area where planting will be done is the boundary strip between the caretaker’s house on the racecourse and the main racecourse path which leads from the park tea kiosk past the fernery enclosure to a gate near the totalisator building. At present the boundary between park and racecourse is protected by straggly deciduous trees which will have to be removed to make room for the new thujas.

An inspection was made also of the large block of pine trees on the right of the racecourse walk, overlooking the fernery. Numerous young trees of mixed varieties have been planted among the pines in recent years and it was found that they were making poor progress. Young trees planted in the open behind the pines were, however, growing extremely well. Many of them are thuja giganteas.

No decision was made about the pines beside the racecourse walk, nor about another group beside the croquet and tennis courts on Victoria Road. Here, too, it was found that any saplings planted among the pines were not doing at all well, although about 150 specimens planted recently were making as much progress as could be expected under the conditions. A row of oaks bordering the courts were thriving. They were originally planted to provide a dense growth which would act as a break against ground winds blowing through the pines.

The question of additions to the southern terrace and of alteration for the sportsground was briefly considered by the committee, but the work is indefinitely delayed by lack of funds.

The committee yesterday was escorted round the park by Mr. T. Horton, superintendent. There were present the Hon. J. McLeod (chairman), Messrs, C. E. Bellringer, E, Jackson, S. Varnham, E. King, P. E. Stainton, F. Parker and W. F. Short.

TH, MAY 22, 1936

NO PLACE FOR PINES

GRADUAL FELLING RECOMMENDED

“Pines have no place in Pukekura Park!” was the pronouncement yesterday of Mr. J. G. McKenzie, director of parks and reserves at Wellington, made with the authority of 30 years’ experience of landscape gardening and forestry. Mr. McKenzie stood at the door of the park fernery at New Plymouth yesterday afternoon and gazed with a disapproving eye at the high wall of pines opposite him. “In that block I counted this morning seven or eight trees absolutely dead, with not a green branch,” he said.

Mr. T. Horton, superintendent of the park, who was escorting a party of Wellington horticulturists round the reserve, said: “There has never been any question of those pines coming down. The trees for felling grow on the skyline of the southern terrace.”

Mr. McKenzie, however, made it clear that his decision would have been far more sweeping than that of the park committee. “The life of pines is no longer than 40 years,” he explained. “You must make up your mind that the trees in the park now, already becoming straggly, will grow more ugly and more ugly every year. Even at present the thick carpet of needles is poisoning the ground.

“No doubt planting pines was a sensible move in the old days when people feared little else might grow. They provide splendid shelter and are invaluable for choking down gorse. But the beauty of Pukekura Park now should depend on pongas and native bush. Remember that New Zealand bush will not grow in all places in the Dominion; at Oamaru and farther south it is not seen.”

Eighteen years ago Wellington was up in arms about a suggestion to cut down pines in the botanical gardens, continued Mr. McKenzie. But the proposal was put in effect and people became used to it. There was not a murmur when pine trees in Fitzherbert Terrace were felled recently because they had outlived their usefulness.

“I understand the sentimental regard of New Plymouth townsfolk for these old trees,” he concluded. “But you can be sure a man like Mr. Horton would not allow any of them to be felled unless it were absolutely necessary. Personally I think every pine in the park should be cut down—not at once or altogether, but judiciously in ones and twos as they are replaced by other and better species. My ideal would be a park with pongas and native bush predominating over an admixture of the most suitable trees of other countries. There is no objection to a few flowers to give contrasting brightness.”

Mr. McKenzie added an appreciation of Brooklands. Such a reserve would send Wellington people into raptures, he said. New Plymouth did not yet realise its value to the full because they were well supplied with open spaces and reserves, but when the town had grown, in 10 or 20 or 50 years’ time, Brooklands would be priceless—a gift that could not be measured in money.

TDN, MAY 22, 1936

LAND EXCHANGE OPPOSED

AREA IN PUKEKURA PARK

BILL REPORTED BACK TO HOUSE.

CLAUSE DELETED BY COMMITTEE.

FRESH EVIDENCE TO BE ADDUCED.

Wellington, Last Night.

Discussion look place in the House of Representatives to-day on the New Plymouth Borough Empowering Bill, which was reported back from the Lands Committee with the deletion of clause 7, which was designed to give the New Plymouth Borough Council power to lease part of Pukekura Park. Finally on the motion of Mr. S. G. Smith (Opp., New Plymouth) the Bill was referred hack to the committee for further consideration.

Mr. Smith said that all the power that was sought by the clause was to lease about half an acre of the 120 acres in the park reserve. The particular section involved, which was a splendid site for residential purposes, was unsuitable as a part of the park and had never been used for that purpose. He moved that the Bill should be referred back to the committee for further consideration, for he might be able to produce fresh evidence concerning the piece of land in question.

Mr. H. G. Dickie (Opp., Patea), Mr. W J. Broadfoot (Opp., Waitomo) and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. G. W. Forbes, supported Mr. Smith’s amendment.

“We are not unappreciative of the excellent work done by the people of New Plymouth in the interests of their parks and reserves,” said the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, “but it is the duty of the Minister of Lands to preserve as far as possible all lands of that kind for the free use of the people. Once a private building was put on the land it would become alienated for all time from reserve lands. If we gave power to the New Plymouth Borough Council to lease this area every domain board in the country would be justified in asking for similar concessions. I do not think it is any use referring the matter back to the Lands Committee.”

After further discussion Mr. D. Barnes (Gov., Waitaki) chairman of the Lands Committee, said that if further evidence could be produced he had no objection to the matter being referred back to the committee. The Bill was accordingly referred back.

The area of Pukekura Park referred to consists of three sections on the Gover Street frontage. The total area involved is slightly less than half an acre. The body of the Bill deals chiefly with land exchange between the New Plymouth Harbour Board and the Borough Council on the Fitzroy waterfront.

TDN, MAY 28, 1936

PARK LAND LEASE

NEW PLYMOUTH BILL

HOUSE REJECTS CLAUSE

MINISTER’S OPPOSITION

RENEWAL RIGHT REFUSED

The New Plymouth Borough Council is not to be permitted to lease portion of Pukekura Park on the terms sought for building purposes with a right of renewal. Mr. D. Barnes (Government, Waitaki), chairman of the Lands Committee, reported to the House of Representatives to-day that the New Plymouth Borough Empowering Bill had been further considered by the committee, which recommended that it should be allowed to proceed as previously amended by the committee., It had been referred back to the committee on the understanding that fresh evidence was to be produced but that evidence had not been forthcoming.

Mr. J. Hargest (Opposition, Awarua) said the one contentious clause in the Bill had been thrown out. Funds were necessary for the maintenance of Pukekura Park and it was considered that rent amounting to about £100 a year could be derived from the small area in the park which it was desired to lease for building purposes.

The people of New Plymouth had shown their good faith by increasing the size of the park and making it one of the loveliest in the Dominion, Mr. Hargest added. No doubt there was a principle involved and if an exception was made in this case similar requests would be received from all over the country, but he thought the present case could be very well judged on its merits and not as part of a general principle.

1. SMITH’S ADVOCACY.

Mr. S. G. Smith (Opposition, New Plymouth) said the Local Bills Committee had raised no objection to the clause that had been thrown out, but there had been hostility from the Lands Department. There was no power in the Bill to give land away to anybody. The borough council now had the right to lease the land for 21 years and wished to extend that to give the right of renewal. No one would take a lease for only 21 years and improve the property.

The park was used as a reserve for the people of New Plymouth, while other domains throughout the country were vested in the Crown. There was a difference.

“There was no hostility from the Lands Department,” said the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone. “The department was quite willing to have the area made into endowment land so that it could be built on, but I, as Minister of Lands, refused to allow any part of our public domains to be alienated from the people. The particular piece of land in question is situated in a beautiful position and as soon as the land was put up for tender our wealthy people would be able to compete for it. I do not think the Lands Committee could have come to any different decision than it has.

“Once the people of New Plymouth knew that buildings were to be erected on that land I have no doubt that there would be intense feeling against it.

The committee’s recommendation was adopted.

TDN, MAY 30, 1936

A MODERN LIBRARY

(By S. C. Allen-No. XLV1.)

INTEREST IN ‘THE GABLES

The extension of library service to the country formed part of the policy of the late Government and the present Government has emphatically indicated its intention of fostering the rural service. It is therefore the duty of every existing library to take steps to bring its organisation into line with the march of coming changes, and accustom itself to the idea of sharing its advantages with its less fortunate (in this matter) rural neighbours. To further such development, the committee of the New Plymouth library has already made tentative plans in its new library building to provide the accommodation necessary for this essential extension of library service. In November of last year (1935) it co-operated with the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in arranging with Mr. John Barr to give an address on the subject of rural libraries.

During his stay at New Plymouth Mr. Barr saw “The Gables” at Brooklands and was much impressed by the beauty of its architecture. In an interview given to the Taranaki Daily News, he urged that this building be carefully preserved and used to house a “period museum.” He pointed out that the value and interest of a museum collection was enormously enhanced by placing it in the surrounding in which it once existed. If the furniture, pictures etc. of a period are arranged in a suitable room, an atmosphere is created which enables the period to be visualised. The same articles placed in a museum as individual exhibits convey the impression of a second-hand junk store.

Mr. Barr recognised that structurally The Gables was a perfect example of ecclesiastical architecture in its period. He understood that its original shell was both intact and well preserved, and that the internal alterations were capable of removal to afford accommodation for a small period museum. I have judged it of sufficient interest to collect some particulars concerning this historic building.

In 1847 the central Government, then administered from Auckland as capital, decided to build a hospital in Taranaki, and Sir George Grey the Governor sent a plan for a “colonial hospital” estimated to cost £700. Without any consideration of the purpose for which it was to be used, the plan of the building now known as “The Gables” was chosen by Sir George Grey as the Taranaki colonial hospital. Its ecclesiastical appearance is accounted for by the fact that it was designed by Mr. Thatcher, an architect who was responsible for the designs of the original St. Mary’s church at New Plymouth and of St. John’s college chapel at Auckland.

The site chosen for the hospital was. equally unfortunate and was remote from the centre of the town. It was selected only because there happened to be a “reserve for a colonial hospital’’ between Mangorei Road and Henui River on the surveyed map of the town. This site occupied all the land which now separates “Scotlands’’ from the Girls’ High School. On that portion which has a frontage on Mangorei Road the colonia hospital or Gables was erected in 1848. Not very long after it had been built, it was enlarged—a fact that is established by comparing two photographs exhibited in the Old Settlers’ collection, the smaller being the hospital in its original form, and the larger presenting much the same appearance as The Gables now standing in the grounds of Brooklands.

Almost from its inception the building was unsatisfactory as a hospital and from newspaper criticism of its administration it appears that the staff of the hospital were using the accommodation to the exclusion of the patients. In 1858, ten years after its erection, it had come to the end of its usefulness, though it was still under the control of the central Government. The medical superintendent, Dr. Peter Wilson, in a report furnished to Sir Donald McLean, the native secretary, stated that owing to the diminishing use made of the hospital its up-keep was an unnecessary expense to the Government. He suggested that it be handed over to the provincial Government “who are fond of all sorts of usurpations.” As a further reason for closing it he added that the white people used the wards as much as the Maoris.

The Gables was abandoned during the Maori War in I860, and was used as a defensive outpost for the town, escaping destruction at the hands of the Maoris only because it had treated one at least of their noted warriors. It is presumed that it became the property of the provincial council and after the abolition of the provinces its ownership became vested in the borough of New Plymouth. Some time about 1900, it was dismantled by the borough council and the building was purchased by the late Mr. Newton King who, in re-erecting it at Brooklands, took care to preserve its original design. Since then, a small porch has been added at one wing, and internal alterations have been made without altering its structure. In 1925, the old split shingle roofing was replaced by sawn kauri slabs.

The library committee, always interested in historical associations, only needed the stimulus of Mr. Barr’s suggestion to forward a request to the borough council to keep in mind the possibility of converting The Gables into a “period” museum at some subsequent time. This request received favourable consideration.

A more recent manifestation of the library committee’s concern for historical objects was its request to have the gun from the Harriet placed in the museum. This relic, now standing at Brooklands in the old chimney place, was salvaged by the Maoris from the barque Harriet wrecked a little south of Cape Egmont in 1834, and was acquired from them by the late Mr. Newton King. The Harriet was bringing from Sydney a party of whalers under a man named Guard. After the ship-wrecked party came ashore a quarrel arose which resulted in the death of 12 sailors and 25 natives. Guard, his wife and two children and 10 seamen were made prisoners, but Guard and some seamen were allowed to depart on promising to return with gunpowder as a ransom for the others. He went to Sydney and returned with a company of the 50th Regiment on the H.M.S. Alligator. The military force succeeded in rescuing the whole of Guard’s party. Many natives were slain and two villages destroyed.

The gun from the Harriet is thus perhaps the earliest Taranaki relic of the coming of the European to the province. The borough council has asked the Pukekura Park committee to consider handing it over to the museum.

TDN, JUNE 2, 1936

NEW PLYMOUTH COUNCIL

CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTS

As requested by the Pukekura Park committee the borough engineer was instructed to submit reports and estimates of the cost of repairing the Poet’s Bridge in Pukekura Park and the entrance road into Brooklands.

The work of forming and turfing the lower eastern terraces and the southern terraces of the sports ground at Pukekura Park was made relief work and formal application for the use of part-time relief labour under scheme No. 5 was made.

TDN, JUNE 3, 1936

GUN MOVED TO MUSEUM.

The gun from the brig Harriet, which has been an object of interest to many visitors to Brooklands, New Plymouth, was removed yesterday from the old fireplace at the grounds to the New Plymouth Museum at the request of the borough council.

TDN, JUNE 4, 1936

PLANTING RHODODENDRONS.

Fine weather has attracted crowds of visitors this month to Pukekura Park and Brooklands, which are looking well despite the season. This year the ground staff at the park has been engaged in planting out £350 worth of rhododendrons given to the committee under the terms of the Sanders bequest. For two years the plants have thrived in a nursery plot beside the upper lake. They have done remarkably well and are showing wonderful roots that should ensure successful growing after transplanting. At Brooklands the vines have been taken out of the grape house and the material for the new shelving is ready.

TH, JUNE 10, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

BRIDGE TO STAY

LINK, WITH OLD ASSOCIATIONS.

The disrepair of the Poet’s Bridge in Pukekura Park was the subject of further discussion at the monthly meeting of the Pukekura Park Committee last night. Present were Messrs. F. Amoore (acting chairman), E. King, E. Jackson, W. F. Short, E. R. C. Gilmour, P. E. Stainton (secretary) and T. Horton (superinten­dent of the park).

At a previous meeting of the Committee, Mr. Horton reported that the bridge was urgently in need of repair. Following this it was decided to request the Borough Council to have the brough engineer inspect the bridge and report to the committee.

Last night a letter was received from the town clerk, Mr. F. T. Bellringer, notifying the committee that the engineer had been instructed to submit reports and estimates of the costs of repairing the bridge and the entrance road into Brooklands as requested. 

Mr. Horton stated that he had seen Mr. C. Clarke, the engineer, that afternoon, and although the latter had not yet prepared a full report he had commented upon the state of the bridge and the possible costs of repairs.

Mr. Clarke had said that it would take a man and himself a full day to make a detailed estimate, but from his inspection so far there was no doubt that the bridge was in a dangerous condition. In his opinion it was a question of repairing the bridge, more or less for times sake or choosing the more economical erection of a new steel structure. In consequence Mr. Clarke would like to know which the committee preferred.

Members spoke in support of keeping the wooden bridge, and it was unanimously decided to ask Mr. Clarke to report on repairs necessary.

Mr. Short stated that the old bridge was regarded as an essential part of the park. A new steel bridge would look definitely out of place.

Mr. Amoore agreed with Mr. Short, and added that the removal of the bridge would mean the loss of a popular link with old associations. It was largely a matter of sentiment, he continued.

“But there is a great deal in sentiment, after all,” stated Mr. Short.

Other members were in entire agreement with the previous speakers and the matter of publicity through postcards was mentioned. It was thought that New Plymouth had received a good deal of publicity through the post-card showing the view looking up the main lake past Poet’s Bridge and With Mt. Egmont in the background. To remove the bridge which was so much a part of the picture might seem like breaking faith with the tourists.

If the bridge was dangerous it ought to be barricaded off, said Mr. Stainton. It was not as dangerous as all that, explained Mr. Horton. The bridge was comparatively safe unless there was a gale which would make it extremely precarious. It was the manner in which the disrepair of the bridge had been accentuated in the last heavy gale that had led him to report to the committee.

Mr. T. Horton in his monthly report stated that early in the month the committee had inspected the park and had made certain decisions in regard to future operations in some areas. These had been noted and the work would be done as soon as possible.

The Sanders bequest rhododendrons, which had been growing in the nursery for two years, had been planted into their permanent positions, with the exception of a few of the smaller growing species. These were transplanted into nursery rows to grow on and when further advanced would be planted in the drained swamp area, being especially prepared for them.

Preparation for planting the new forest reserve at Brooklands was the work being done at present. A good deal of draining had had to be done to get the water off the low-lying portions, and there was still a good deal of grubbing, digging and fencing to be done.

Necessary general maintenance work was regularly attended to and the conservatories, fernery, sports ground and the park generally was in a fair condition.

He had visited Windsor Park Stratford, to give assistance and advice as the committee had requested at a previous meeting.

The committee considered the amended proposals from the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club regarding the track lighting equipment at the Pukekura Park sportsground, and decided that it was not prepared to recommend the Borough Council to depart from the proposed agreement as arranged at the council’s meeting.

TDN, JUNE 19, 1936

LARGE PINE TREE FALLS.

Top heavy and with roots weakened by age, a 60-year-old pine tree in Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, crashed to the ground on Tuesday afternoon. Although over 100 feet in height and containing a great mass of timber, the falling tree did little damage to its neighbours and the undergrowth. The crown of the tree fell across the footpath at the base of the Poet’s bridge.

 TH, JUNE 23, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

PUKEKURA TERRACES

RE-FORMING SOUTHERN BANK.

BOTTOM ROWS TO BE JOINED.

Yesterday members of the Pukekura Park Committee inspected the park sportsground and approved of a plan to re-form the southern bank of terraces. Present at the inspection were the Hon. James McLeod, M.L.C. (chairman), Messrs. W. F. Short, C. E. Bellringer, F. S. Varnham, F. Parker, E. Jackson, P. E. Stainton (secretary) and the superintendent, Mr. T. Horton.

The plan involves grading the bank in the same way as the east and west banks have been graded. The terraces will be re-formed and the number increased from seven to 11. Precautions will be taken not to disturb the roots of the pine trees at the top of the terraces.

The two bottom terraces will be lowered until they are on the same level as those on the eastern bank, to which they will then be joined. These bottom terraces will form a continuous line of seats, but the re-formation work will in no way affect the growth of trees in the gap between the eastern and southern banks.

The work will be done on a subsidised basis, but cannot be commenced until the sanction of the Minister of Employment, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, has been obtained.

TDN, JULY 8, 1936

TWENTY MEN WORKING ON TERRACES.

About 20 men are employed on the reformation of the southern bank of terraces at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth. The work started in full swing yesterday and will not be finished for about three months. More men may possibly be employed later.

TH, JULY 15, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

Varied work by the Pukekura Park staff in the maintenance and development of the park and Brooklands was reported at the monthly meeting of the Pukekura Park Committee last night, when the Hon. James M’Leod presided.

Since the last meeting of the committee the principal work had been the continued preparation of the ground at Brooklands for planting the new forest reserve, reported the park superintendent, Mr. T. Horton. Most of the first section of the scheme would be ready for planting next week, and he hoped then to make a start with the planting.

It was doubtful if they would be able to get the swamp area ready for planting, but if this was the case they would dig all that was possible and leave it to fallow and sweeten during the summer, the planting to take place next autumn. The young trees (white pines) could easily be held in the nursery for a season.

The boundary fence between Brooklands and the properties of Messrs. Bond and Grundy had been erected, and each party had been charged their proportion of the cost. Part of the fence had been erected through the centre of a very wet, swampy area, which it had been necessary to drain before being able to proceed with the fencing. Fortunately silver pine posts and strainers were used, and thus it was ensured that the fence would be durable and practically everlasting.

The next work of major importance was the new terrace work in the sportsground. Over 20 men were employed on that work and a good start had been made. Every effort would be made at week-ends to provide a maximum of seating accommodation.

First-class turf was difficult to procure, but they should use what was available as economically as was possible and consistent with making a good job. If an appeal was made someone might know where good turf was available, and thus help to overcome the difficulty in that respect. It would be most unfortunate it inferior material had to be used on such an important undertaking.

The decision to convert the vinery at Brooklands into a conservatory had been carried out, and the necessary staging and internal alterations being completed, the stock or plants had been transferred from the old house, and the whole arrangement appeared to be a big improvement.

The ground round the belt of trees planted to the south and west of Brooklands bush two years ago was being cleaned, and the rough undergrowth scythed, forked off and burned.

The fernery was receiving its annual overhaul, and that was being done without the necessity of closing up, as in former years.

TH, JULY 15, 1936

DECLARED UNSAFE

POET’S BRIDGE TO BE REPAIRED

A decision that signs be placed on the Poet’s Bridge, in Pukekura Park, warning the public that it is unsafe, and that the Pukekura Park Committee confer with the New Plymouth Borough Council regarding necessary repairs and the method of financing these, was reached by the committee last night.

The disrepair of the bridge was first reported to the committee by the park superintendent, Mr. T. Horton, some time ago and the committee requested the Borough Council to have the borough engineer, Mr. C. Clarke, inspect the state of the bridge and to report on its condition and the estimated cost of complete repair. Later Mr. Clarke suggested that, after inspecting the structure, and estimating the cost of repairs, he thought it might be advisable and would be cheaper to erect a light steel bridge across the lake in place of the present structure.

After discussion the committee decided that the present bridge should be kept, even if solely for its sentimental value and connections with the past. They also referred to the manner in which the structure toned in with the natural beauty of the park.

Last night a full report and estimate was received from Mr. Clarke, who wrote: “I have inspected the condition of the Poet’s Bridge in Pukekura Park and find that the bridge is to-day in an unsafe condition. I would accordingly recommend that the bridge be closed to traffic until such time as repairs are effected.

“I understand that the Park Committee desire the bridge to be so repaired that the present design will be retained. I have therefore prepared an estimate for the necessary repairs to enable the present bridge to be repaired in its present design.

“The condition of the bridge is such that very little of the existing structure is fit for use in the rebuilding of the bridge. The abutments, still work and some timber can be used and have been allowed for. Otherwise the estimate provides for new materials throughout. The existing bridge was built in totara, but I would suggest that in the rebuilding some of the structure be constructed in Australian hardwoods.

“I estimate the cost of reconstruction as follows: 5000 feet new timber (dressed) £200, bolts and ironwork £25, superstruction erected temporarily for rebuilding £18 10s, nails, paint and incidentals £35, labour £110, contingencies estimated at 10 per cent. of the total £39. This made the total cost £427 10s.

“I am satisfied that a light steel bridge could be erected at a considerable saving on the above, but I agree with the committee that such a bridge would not harmonise with the surroundings to the same extent as the existing structure.”

TH, AUGUST 12, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

The Poet’s Bridge across the upper lake in Pukekura Park has now been closed to traffic, both ends barricaded, and notices to the effect that it is unsafe have been attached, said the caretaker, Mr. T. Horton, at last night’s meeting of the Pukekura Park Board. Those present were the Hon. James McLeod (chairman), Messrs. F. Amoore, E. King, E. Jackson, W. F. Short, F. S. Varnham, F. Parker, C. E. Bellringer, H. Dempsey and P. E. Stainton (secretary).

It was considered advisable to have a new bridge in place by Christmas, if possible, on account of the number of visitors expected at the park about this time. In a short discussion members said that the new bridge would have to be pleasing to the eye as well as useful, and a concrete structure was suggested. A sub-committee was appointed to confer with the borough engineer on the subject, and it was agreed that when the plans had been approved no time should be lost in having the work put in hand.

The caretaker’s report stated that seasonal operations, such as pruning and planting, had been carried out. The cleaning up of branches and rubbish next to the racecourse had been completed and about 30 trees planted there. Paths had been re-formed and a new bridge erected at the far end of the water-lily lakes. All unnecessary growth on Flagpole Hill had been removed, giving the trees planted four years ago every chance of full development. Direction notices from various parts of the town had been collected and were being repainted.

The 130 pohutukawas had been delivered and planted on the newly-formed Western Park terraces. The superintendent visited the Ngamotu seaside reserve to advise the committee on planting and improvement. The new terrace work on the sportsground had been seriously retarded by inclement weather, but the turf for the work, cut from one of the Brooklands paddocks, was of excellent quality and the best ever used on the grounds. The first section of the new forest planting scheme had been begun and the preparation of the land, except the swamp area, was completed this week. A complete detailed list of the planted would be available at the next meeting. It was doubtful if white pines could be planted in the swamp this season, but this portion was being dug in readiness for planting. This would be quite beneficial if it was allowed to fallow for a season. One hundred macrocarpa trees were planted to fill gaps and to extend the area planted two years ago at the south-west side of the Brooklands bush.

SPORTSGROUND LIGHTING.

The New Plymouth Amateur Athletics and Cycle Club wrote asking that the Park Board executive should meet representatives of the club and the club’s solicitor with a view to ascertaining whether the board or the board’s solicitor could suggest that there was anything unreasonable in the alterations to the draft agreement submitted by the club.

On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Amoore, the following resolution was passed: That while the Pukekura Park Committee is not anxious to assume responsibility for the lighting system in Pukekura Park it is willing to do so only on the terms or agreement as drafted by the borough solicitor at the request of the committee, that the club be notified that acceptance or otherwise of the agreement must be received by September 7, and that in the event or non-acceptance the club be required to remove the light standards to the alignment of the new terrace face, at their own expense.

It was decided that in recognition of Arbor Day members or the committee should plant native timber trees in Brooklands on Saturday morning. Mr. Horton said that Brooklands possessed one of the finest native timber reserves in. the Dominion.

Mr. Horton reported that difficulty had been experienced in obtaining timber for the terrace seats. An order had been let to a local firm, but could not be fulfilled pending the arrival of the timber from the mill. At present temporary seating was being used.

Notification was received from the Borough Council that the sum of £378 had been placed on next year’s estimate for repairs to the entrance road to Brooklands, and that in the meantime the borough engineer would effect temporary repairs to the road.

The Taranaki Women’s Hockey Association wrote thanking the board for the use of the park for their representative match.

TDN, AUGUST 13, 1936

THE NEED FOR HARMONY

DESIGN OF PARK BRIDGE

MODIFICATION SUGGESTED.

THE OPINION OF CITIZENS.

TRADITION OF IMPROVEMENT.

The question of design for the new structure to replace Pukekura Park’s best known landmark, the Poets Bridge, has provoked lively discussion among interested New Plymouth people. A considerable section feels that the old design could be modified better to blend with the natural surroundings of the park. Others are firmly of the opinion that the old bridge gave the park part of its “personality” and agree with the park committee’s decision to build the new bridge in replica. Opinions expressed by prominent townspeople to a Daily News representative yesterday are of interest.

“The main consideration is that the new structure should be in keeping with the surroundings,” stated Mr. H. M. Bacon, president of the Arts and Crafts Society. “I think that, although the present bridge is quite suitable, it need not be slavishly copied.”

Mr. Bacon suggested that, although, the understructure could be built in concrete the other parts of the bridge could be constructed of ponga, even if that material might not be as lasting. He had no particular design in view but thought that a small bridge at Queenstown, Otago, illustrated splendidly his ideas of what would blend with the surroundings.

Mr. Bacon did not consider the bridge was an essential but thought that it added to the beauty of the vista of the lake and mountain. It provided a fine vantage point.

A prominent New Plymouth architect expressed another shade of opinion. I do not consider the present bridge has sufficient merit from an architectural or artistic point of view to justify the new structure being a replica of the old,” he said.

MODERN DESIGN.

He stressed also the necessity for the new bridge to harmonise with the surroundings, but felt that one of a more modern design in concrete would be an improvement. Modern, permanent building materials could be used effectively in any surroundings. He quoted as an example the Bridge of Remembrance over the river Avon at Christchurch. This structure not only fitted in with but improved the appearance of the stretch of river.

Design was all-important in the erection of the new bridge. There had, since the old bridge was built, been a considerable change of ideas. The ornamental nature of the old bridge represented good taste at the time, but design to-day trended towards simplicity. Any radical change, breaking old associations, would meet with opposition, but if a well designed modern structure were erected, it would not be long before even the old residents, would not regret the loss of an old, familiar landmark.

“My opinion.” said Mr. W. H. Skinner, “is that the design of the old bridge suits the environment admirably. It possesses a fine, sweeping curve and it has always been considered pleasing. It was designed by Mr. Barclay, a man of taste and considerable experience. Perhaps the upper portions of the bridge might be a little lighter but I certainly think it would be a great mistake to do away with the bridge altogether. It definitely serves a useful purpose in permitting people to cross the lake without walking a considerable distance and for this reason alone it is without doubt a “utility” bridge. I have not heard any great dissatisfaction expressed with the present design and personally I am in favour of it,” he added.

A landscape gardener said that although the present design was pleasing it was somewhat obtrusive and a properly designed light steel structure might meet with more universal favour. The preservation of a typical, indeed an almost traditional outlook from lakeside to mountain was important and for this reason a slightly modified, lighter bridge of similar design might be better.

TH, SEPTEMBER 9, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

POET’S BRIDGE DESIGN

The question of the reconstruction of the Poet’s Bridge was discussed at last night’s meeting of the Pukekura Park Committee. Mr. F. Amoore presided, and there were present: Messrs. E. R. C. Gilmour, F. Parker, E. J. Carr, F. S. Varnham, E, Jackson, E. King, W. F. Short, C. E. Bellringer, P. E. Stainton (secretary) and T. Horton (superintendent).

The borough engineer, Mr. Clarke, submitted suggested plans for the reconstruction of the Poet’s Bridge.

In answer to a question by Mr. Varnham, the chairman said that the council had given permission to use some of Sanders bequest monies for the purpose of rebuilding the bridge.

Mr. Carr moved that the design, approximating the present bridge, and with a concrete arch, should adopted. Mr. Varnham seconded the motion. The cost would be about £600.

It was suggested that decision might be left to a full meeting of the committee, as some members favoured an all-wooden structure.

Mr. Bellringer expressed himself as in favour of the bridge suggested in the motion. He agreed, however, that it was an important matter that should not be rushed into. He thought the chairman, the Hon. Jas. McLeod, should be present at the meeting at which the question was decided.

Mr. Clarke offered to prepare photographs of the site with the various designs of bridges included in them. This would clearly show the advantages of the various bridges he had suggested. In answer to a question, he said that even if the matter were decided at once the bridge could not be renewed by Christmas.

The original resolution was then withdrawn and it was decided to defer decision of the matter until the next meeting. It was decided to ask Mr. Clarke to prepare photographs of two of the designs as he had suggested.

It was decided to put the work of the re-formation of the sportsground terraces under the supervision of the borough engineer.

SEASONAL WORK.

Mr. T. Horton (park superintendent) reported that the usual seasonal work had been attended to and urgent repairs to paths, fences, tools and buildings carried out. Planting of the new native forest area had been completed. Trees to the value of £106 15s had been planted, of which the park nursery had supplied plants to the value of £43 5s. The total cost of labour, trees and fencing was approximately £300. The work had been well done and he was confident the scheme would be a great success.

The wages of the staff had been adjusted to meet the altered conditions of employment. The additional expenditure on the permanent staff would be only 11s a week.

The usual annual overhaul was to be given the sports area.

The superintendent was authorised to supervise the annual pruning of various trees within the borough. He was also instructed to supply the Borough Council with a report on the cutting of the pines in the Ngamotu Domain.

The Borough Council advised that the council would accept the responsibility of the maintenance of the entrance road to Brooklands.

Had anything further been done in connection with the memorial gates and a concrete wall, Mr. Jackson asked.

Mr. Gilmour said that the borough engineer was preparing plans.

Mr. Stainton said that the sub-committee that had been set up in connection with Hughes Walk had recommended that the following notice board should be set up at the head of the walk: —

“Hughes Walk.— This walk is named after the late Robert Clinton Hughes, to commemorate his long, useful and unbroken service on the Pukekura Park Committee. As a foundation member in 1876, he continued as an active member until 1935. 1876—1935.”

TH, SEPTEMBER 9, 1936

PUKEKURA TERRACES

EXTENSIVE RE-FORMATION.

So slow has been the progress of the re-formation of the Pukekura Park sportsground terraces on account of the wet weather that it was feared that the planned work would have to be modified in order to complete the undertaking this season. However, the New. Plymouth Borough Council has placed its engineer, Mr. C. Clarke, in charge of the work and it is his intention to place about 20 more men on the job so that the entire re-formation will be completed within two months.

Members of the Pukekura Park Committee inspected the area this morning to finally decide whether to continue with the full plan or not. They were impressed with the improvement that has already been effected and were of the opinion that when completed as planned the terraces will have been improved out of recognition. Mr. Clarke, who was also present, said that he hoped to be able to transfer another 20 of the borough’s relief labourers to the work within a week. Furthermore, it was his intention, as soon as the weather was dry enough, to use lorries to transport the earth. This would be a great improvement on the slow and tedious wheelbarrow method that was now being used.

The plan of operation is an extensive one and comprises practically the entire reformation of the eastern and southern terraces. In addition, these two banks are being linked by three terraces which fill in the previously empty south-eastern corner.

TH, SEPTEMBER 15, 1936

BEAUTY OF BROOKLANDS

WIDE AREA CLEARED

The past five months have seen a transformation effected to an area of rough wasteland in Brooklands Park. A wild area, partly swamp and partly a hill slope covered with fern, gorse, blackberry and broom has been developed into a plantation of practically every variety of New Zealand native timber trees.

The unsightly area at Brooklands had for some time detracted from the general beauty of the park, and rather than leave the area in its dilapidated condition it was decided to clear up the whole section, drain the swamp, thoroughly cultivate the whole area and plant it with New Zealand native trees, few of which are left growing in the immediate vicinity of New Plymouth. Nearly all the old timber trees that were growing in the forests here were removed years ago for timber.

The scheme was suggested by Mr. T. Horton, F.R.H.S., superintendent of Pukekura Park, received the approval of the Park committee and was then confirmed by the New Plymouth Borough Council. The Borough Council was so pleased with the project that it voted £500 towards the expense, to be spread over four years. A gift of £250 towards the carrying out of the work was made by the Bruce Trust.

The work was put in hand early in April and all of the operations planned for this year have now been completed. Trees to the value of £106 15s were planted, of which the park nursery supplied plants to the value of £43 5s. The total cost of labour, trees and fencing was approximately £300.

All the swamp area which was drained early in the winter months was dug and planted, in white pines. The principal trees planted on the main area were kauris, of which 300 were planted in two blocks. Also planted were quite large numbers of matai, rimu, tararie, tawapou, red and silver beech, puriri, maire, rewarewa, and in fact, practically every variety of native timber tree.

On the high range above the plantation a row of pohutukawa trees was planted to make the eastern shelter belt, Lawsoniana trees have also been planted on the southern side for shelter.

Mr. Horton is confident of the success of the planting scheme. Next year a similar adjoining area is to be planted.

TH, SEPTEMBER 15, 1936

WONDERFUL GROWTH

SEMI-TROPICAL PLANTS

SCOPE FOR GARDENERS

NEW PLYMOUTH CLIMATE

The surprising suitability of the North Taranaki soil and climate for the growing of all kinds of flowering shrubs, even tropical varieties, was stressed to a Taranaki Herald reporter this morning by Mr. T. Horton, F.R.H.S., superintendent of Pukekura Park.

Mr. Horton showed the reporter a beautiful crimson bloom, Clianthus dampieri, which as a rule grows only in hot and dry climates. In New Plymouth, however, it not only grows well but blossoms all through the winter. If this semi-tropical plant could be grown so successfully, said Mr. Horton, there was practically no limit to the variety of plants that could be grown by New Plymouth gardeners provided the necessary care was given.

The Clianthus dampieri, more commonly known as Sturt’s Desert Pea, is a native of Western Australia and grows in hot, dry arid districts and is considered one of the most beautiful of the Australian native flowering plants.

Being a hot country plant it naturally does not grow well in New Zealand generally, but much to the surprise of visiting horticulturists it does remarkably well in sheltered positions in North Taranaki. At a meeting of the Institute of Horticulture in New Plymouth last night a perfect bloom was exhibited by Mr. I. Waddle, an employee at the Pukekura Park fernery, which he grew in his own garden. He stated that the plants had flowered throughout the winter.

Mr. Horton considers this to be a remarkable performance and other New Plymouth horticulturists are surprised at seeing blooms on this rare plant at this time of the year. Mr. Waddle’s performance is no fluke, however, as Mr. F. Huthnance, gardener at “Maranui,” has a similar plant that has also been blooming throughout the winter months.

The success or these growers acquaints horticulturists as nothing else can do, with the fact that in Taranaki can be grown a very wide range of flowers and shrubs that it is generally thought would be impossible here because of the climate. If this tropical plant can be grown so successfully then many other varieties of rare plants that are not so difficult to grow would do well if they were put in here.

TDN, OCTOBER 3, 1936

ONCE TOO OFTEN

BIG SHAG MEETS WATERLOO.

POACHING IN PUKEKURA LAKE.

Like the pitcher that went once too often to the well, an out-size in shags that has been industriously poaching in Pukekura Park lake at intervals during the past few weeks met its Waterloo last evening when it was shot by a member of the park staff, Mr. Owen Brown.

Trouble has been experienced lately with a number of shags that have been preying on fish in the lake but the one which stopped the charge of shot last night was described by the park superintendent as the “worst poacher of the lot”

The bird measured four feet nine inches from wing tip to wing tip and two feet nine inches from the tip of its beak to the end of the tail. The average for shags that live on inland water is three feet three inches to three feet six inches across the wings, though the type that lives on the sea coasts is larger.

TH, OCTOBER 5, 1936

PARK SPORTSGROUND

BIG IMPROVEMENT MADE

In Pukekura park, New Plymouth has a scenic reserve second to none in New Zealand and if the improvements at present being carried out to the park sportsground make the anticipated difference to that area there is no doubt that the sportsground, too, will take its place among the finest in the Dominion. Previously the ground had several disadvantages which are now in the course of being removed. The improvement work, which has been in progress for some weeks, is being carried out on the eastern and southern terraces.

The sharp, ugly bends which previously marred the Fillis Street end of the eastern terraces, the gap between the eastern and southern terraces and the pavilion end of the southern terraces have been cut away and now the bank presents a smooth, unbroken sweep. This work has added 500 square yards to the area of the sportsground. Besides adding infinitely to the appearance of the ground it enhances the area from a utility and sports aspect, especially with regard to the running track.

Besides this work on the bank surrounding the eastern and southern sides of the ground a big Improvement is also being made to the terraces The two lower eastern terraces are being continued in an attractive sweep round “Horse-shoe Bend” to join the southern series. These are easily accessible by steps and make one realise the emptiness of the gap that they have hidden. Behind these connecting terraces the ground is to rise in a gentle slope to provide even greater accommodation for spectators. Already the seating space has been increased considerably. A feature of the work in this respect is the replacing of wooden foundations by concrete, a fact considered advisable for length of duration and firmness. The board seating will be securely fastened to these concrete piles.

The undertaking is no small one and extremely unfavourable weather has held back the work to a great extent, but it thought that, providing the fine weather holds, the southern terraces should be completed this month, the eastern terraces probably taking some time longer. According to the authorities, however, some difficulty is likely to be experienced at the southern end because of the pine trees, which take the moisture and food from the ground and thus prevents grass on the terraces from showing the verdant appearance it otherwise would. Another disadvantage is the crumbling caused on the top terraces by the roots and the pine needles killing other growth. This will result in dilapidated terraces until the pines are removed.

Nevertheless, the improvements will prove ideal from every standpoint, accommodation, ease of access and beauty.

TH, OCTOBER 14, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

At the meeting of the Pukekura Park committee last night the Hon. James McLeod, M.L.C., presided, and there were present Messrs. E. Jackson, F. Amoore, F. S. Varnham, H. Dempsey, C. E. Bellringer, F. Parker and P. E. Stainton (hon. secretary).

The caretaker, Mr. T. Horton, reported that the staff had been engaged in maintenance work, including the annual overhaul of the sportsground, which proved on inspection to be in a very rough and weedy condition, necessitating much more work than usual. The fertility harrows purchased last year had been used to great advantage, having torn out about ten lorry-loads of weeds, levelled out the hard uneven surface and prepared the ground for seed. All bare and thin places were resown, and a dressing or two tons of lime was applied to the whole area. Top-dressing had also been put on where most needed. Two tons of Port Albert soil, supplied by the Cricket Association, was applied to the central cricket pitches. In addition to sowing the pitches with the usual certified rye grass, a mixture of fine grasses suitable for a first-class sward had been sown.

PROVIDING CRICKET PITCHES.

While everything possible was being done to provide a permanent sward, local conditions to a great extent nullified the efforts. The growing grass was too tender to stand up to the hard cutting and heavy rolling at the beginning of the cricket season, and consequently a large portion of it died out. In spite of this it was hoped to provide hard surfaced, good playing pitches.

The outside area of the sportsground, below the new terrace work, had not yet been put in order, and it could not be done until some new drains were put in and the electric light standards set back to their new positions. The mowing machines had been put in order and overhauled for the new season’s work.

Brooklands garden area and lawns were in splendid order and looked particularly well.

The Amateur Athletic Association was granted the use of the sportsground on Tuesday evenings as in previous years during the coming season.

On the recommendation of the superintendent it was decided to advise the New Plymouth Waterside Workers’ Union that, owing to the new works and the recent unfavourable weather conditions, it would not be able to grant the use of the ground for the Labour Day sports.

TDN, NOVEMBER 2, 1936

BANKED CYCLE TRACK

PUKEKURA PARK ARENA

WORK CAUSES INDIGNATION

REDUCTION OF THE LEVEL AREA.

SAID TO AFFECT OTHER, SPORT.

Visitors to Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, during the week-end were apparently surprised and in some cases not a little indignant to find that a start had already been made with the forming of a banked cycling track around the playing arena. One member of the Pukekura Park committee said the work had not been authorised by the committee, and he had requested a special meeting of the committee to consider the position.

The secretary of the committee, Mr. P. E. Stainton, stated yesterday that the work had been authorised by the sportsground sub-committee of the Pukekura Park committee, comprising Messrs. E. Jackson (chairman), E, R. C. Gilmour, F. S. Varnham and himself.

The work was proceeded with last week, and a quantity of soil was carried in by lorry and deposited in the corners of the sportsground where the banking is to take place. A start was also made with the lifting of the turf over the area affected, and from the lines of turf cut in the three corners in which the work is being done an indication can be gained of the area of ground involved.

Several cricket players visited the Daily News office yesterday to express their indignation at what was being done.

One footballer interviewed said the banking scheme apparently did not affect the actual football area very much, though it might at the corners, but he thought it would certainly affect the dead ball area, and might result in wrongful tries being scored through the ball coming to rest too soon.

Mr. C. E. Bellringer, a member of the Pukekura Park committee, would say nothing until a special meeting of the park board, which has been called at his request. When it was mentioned to him that banking might have been done on part of the track as a corrollary to the work of altering the terraces, he pointed out that a piece had been cut out of the north-western corner at the entrance gates. This was opposite the horseshoe bend where the terraces were being re­aligned.

DENIAL OF AUTHORITY.

Mr. F. Amoore, another member of the board, said that as far as he knew no such work had been authorised by the board. The south-eastern corner, or horseshoe bend, was being banked, but there had been no authority for banking elsewhere.

“All they are doing is putting a slight bank on the existing track on the south­ eastern and north-eastern sides and at the entrance gates,” said Dr. G. H. Thomson, chairman of the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, when the matter was referred to him. “It will give us a narrow track of 417 yards instead of a full length track of 440 yards 24 feet wide.

Dr. Thomson was referring to the proposal mentioned at a recent meeting of the club executive to move the northern boundary fence five yards into Fillis Street, thus providing a 440 yards track. “We wish they would put the fence out,” he said last night.

When the subject was discussed by the athletic club it was mentioned that realignments caused by alterations to the terracing gave a round-the-bank measurement of 460 yards, permitting a track of 417 yards 18 feet wide. That was just too short, it was stated. The meeting approved the plan of the new track with a straight 25 feet wide on the eastern side and with the south-eastern comer widened to 28 feet.

A surveyor’s plan before the meeting showed how the track could be lengthened to 440 yards by moving the Fillis Street fence. Several members of the borough council and of the park committee were individually in favour of the scheme, observed Dr. Thomson on that occasion. It would involve leaving only one footpath in Fillis Street, but that would not be a disadvantage. It was not necessary to keep the street at its present width for it was practically only a one-way road now. The council should make a decision before commencing the erection of the proposed memorial gates.

TDN, NOVEMBER 5, 1936

BANKED CYCLE TRACK

PUKEKURA PARK GROUND

WORK BEGUN TO BE CONTINUED.

MODIFICATION AT ONE CORNER.

DECISION MADE BY COMMITTEE.

Formation work on a banked cycling track around the Pukekura Park sportsground will continue in a slightly modified form. Yesterday afternoon members of the Pukekura Park Committee met the sportsground sub-committee at the ground and, after virtually censuring the sub-committee for undertaking the work without consultation, nevertheless agreed to the continuation of the banking with an amendment to one corner.

Last week turf was cut and preparations begun at the north-western corner at the entrance gates and at the south­eastern and south-western corners of the ground. Banking on the south-eastern corner, where the terraces are being re-aligned, had been authorised by the committee, but the work in the remaining two corners resulted in action being taken. Members considered yesterday that the work in two of the corners could be continued to plan, but that the banking on the entrance corner would be unsightly and should be graded only to half its former height.

Messrs. C. E. Bellringer and W. F. Short fought strongly for the restoration of the park and introduced a motion to this effect. After full discussion and inspection the chairman, Hon. James McLeod, M.L.C., moved a resolution that the committee regretted that the sub­ committee, with the best intentions, proceeded with the work without authorisation from the park committee. The raising of the grade to one in 24 in the south-eastern corner was approved and after inspection it was agreed that the work in this and the north-eastern corner did not constitute a detriment and could be continued. While this motion was approved without dissent the work at the entrance to the park met with a spirited reception.

RESTORATION ADVOCATED.

The Mayor, Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour, a member of the sub-committee, moved that this should continue to plan, but Mr. Bellringer maintained that it was unsightly and advocated the restoration of the section. Speakers stated that the stone steps leading into the ground at the corner were a danger to cyclists and that the speed of the machines on the corner might throw the cyclists on to the concrete. The amendment from Mr. Bellringer was lost by six votes to five. An alteration to the motion that the sharpness of the grade should be halved was then approved.

The meeting, called at fairly short notice, was held in rather unorthodox surroundings. As members placed their cases before the committee cricket balls frequently grazed the circle, and on several occasions a zealous youth unwittingly broke through the gathering in search of a ball.

Mr. McLeod said the objection to the work was that it had been undertaken without consultation with the committee. The north-eastern and south-eastern corners comprised new ground brought in by re-terracing, but the gate corner had not previously been touched.

Plans of the work, giving a grade at the corners of one in 24, were produced by Mr. M. James, a borough surveyor, and Mr. C. Clarke, borough engineer. It was explained by members that banking was needed to overcome centrifugal force if cycling was to be without risks and at its best at the park.

Mr. E. Jackson, chairman of the sportsground sub-committee, placed the case of the cyclists before the committee and expressed regret at the action taken.

“The decision was made with the best intentions,” he said. “We do not want to cause any trouble to the park committee after a connection of so many years, but we thought the work would be an improvement, not a detriment. Now we realise that the committee should have been consulted. While we are sorry, the opinion of the majority of the public appears to be that it will be of benefit.”

STRONG CRITICISM.

Mr. Bellringer strongly criticised the work, particularising on that at the entrance to the park. Mr. Jackson said the stone steps on the bank face at the entrance were a definite menace to cyclists, who were forced out towards them at racing speed. A grading of one foot in 24ft. would not be noticed when turfed and the danger would be removed.

Agreement with Mr. Jackson was voiced by Mr. P. E. Stainton, a member of the sportsground sub-committee. “The sportsground sub-committee has exceeded its duties,” said Mr. Stainton, “and everyone should be perfectly frank. Personally I am sorry for the step that has been taken.” Four visits were made to the ground to consider the work, he added, and it was decided that while neither football or cricket would be harmed room would be made for another sport.

“I agree that we should have gone to the park committee so that it could see what we are doing,” concluded Mr. Stainton, “but we do not want to suggest that the park committee has been deliberately ignored. It was an oversight. One of the things that should have occurred to us should have been to go to the committee for approval.” Mr. F. S. Varnham concurred with other members and expressed his regret.

“I should like to be associated with the sportsground sub-committee,” declared Mr. Gilmour. “I realise that it should have approached the committee, but it was believed that the interests of sport were in the best interests of the ground. I feel that we should have to study more sports than one.”

“This is no new matter,” said Mr. Bellringer. “The committee has steadfastly been opposed to it.”

“There is a very large body of opinion which objects strongly to the work,” commented Mr. F. Amoore, “but at the same time I do not think any real harm has been done. The chairman of the northern division, Taranaki Cricket Association,” he added, “has told me that he is perfectly satisfied with the work on the western side.”

TH, NOVEMBER 11, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

At a meeting of the Pukekura Park Committee last night there were present Messrs. F. Amoore (chairman), E. R. C. Gilmour, H. Dempsey, E. King, W. F. Short, F. Parker, E. Jackson, P. E. Stainton (secretary), and T. Horton (Park Superintendent).

Mr. Horton in his report stated that the rapid growth of the grass recently had made it necessary for the terraces to be mown frequently. The men had been supplied with turf for the new terraces and the balance would be available for the completion of the work. The two sign-boards for the R. C. Hughes Memorial walk had been erected. The Sanders bequest rhododendrons had been thoroughly cultivated and the many that were in bloom had been found true to name and the raiser’s description.

Mr. Horton was granted to attend the conference of park superintendents in Christchurch at the end of January.

On the motion of the chairman, the committee decided to extend to all horticultural bodies an invitation to hold a conference at New Plymouth.

TDN, NOVEMBER 11, 1936

PARK DEVELOPMENT

1. T. HORTON’S REPORT.

Reporting to the monthly meeting of the Pukekura Park Committee at New Plymouth last night, the park superintendent, Mr. T. Horton, stated that no fewer than 130 of the 200 varieties of rhododendrons in the Sanders bequest plantation had already flowered this season. A careful check has shown that every shrub was true to name.

During the month Mr. Thompson, a member of the Bruce Trust, visited New Plymouth and inspected the new forest plantation subsidised by the trust. He expressed his complete satisfaction with the work and said no gift yet made by the trustees had given greater satisfaction. The trees planted in the reserve were with few exceptions making good progress. They had been recently cultivated.

TDN, NOVEMBER 21, 1936

FRUIT SALAD AND PORT WINE.

Flesh with all the flavours of a fruit salad is the unique property of the fruit of the monstena deliciosa. A specimen of the plant, a native of Mexico, is growing in the glasshouse at Brooklands, and last year Mr. T. Boulton, who is in charge of the gardens, picked the first fruit since the exotic was imported. This year he is watching the growth of the second crop, two fruit about the size of a small cucumber and covered with a knobbly green rind that will scale off when the delicacy is ready for eating. A peculiarity of the plant is its habit of sending out streamer roots from the branches to obtain nutriment from the ground. Another novelty among the plant collection at Brooklands is a species of magnolia tree with a flower scent strongly suggestive of port wine.

TDN, NOVEMBER 24, 1936

PARK IMPROVEMENTS.

To harmonise with the recent re-terracing work at the Pukekura Park sportsground the disused terraces at the “horseshoe” corner will be removed and will be replaced by a grass slope. This decision was reached at a meeting of the Pukekura Park committee on the ground yesterday. To give a more uniform appearance to the bank around the playing area the section on the Fillis Street side to the main gates will be returfed.

TDN, DECEMBER 9, 1936

POET’S BRIDGE PLAN

COMPOSITE STEEL AND WOOD.

PRESENT DESIGN TO BE USED

Composite steel and wood will be used in the replacement of the Poet’s Bridge in Pukekura Park at New Plymouth. The borough engineer, Mr. C. Clarke, submitted sketch plans to the park committee at the monthly meeting last night, when the material was decided on and the engineer was authorised to prepare plans and specifications in a design similar to that of the present structure.

The question of painting and repairing buildings in the park was left to Messrs. F. Amoore (acting-chairman), F. Parker and T. Horton (park superintendent) for a report.

A suggestion was made by Mr. G. H. Gorringe that the committee should recondition the swings near the Gilbert Street entrance and provide a see-saw. It was pointed out that that part of the park was popular with family picnic parties.

Mr. Horton said the swings, which had been broken, were being repaired.

It was decided not to adopt the suggestion regarding a see-saw, members of the committee considering that part of the park was too isolated for adequate supervision.

The New Plymouth Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club was granted the use of the sportsground on the night of December 26.

Application was made by the New Plymouth Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club for the moving of the 100 yards track lights to the proposed track on the eastern side of the sportsground. It was decided to ask the club how it was proposed to finance the work, the committee feeling it had gone to the limit as far as the lighting of the grounds was concerned.

The principal work during the month was maintenance, reported Mr. Horton. New work on the sportsground was nearing completion.

 TH, DECEMBER 9, 1936

 PARK COMMITTEE MEETING

The monthly meeting of the Pukekura Park Committee was held last night, Mr. F. Amoore presiding in the absence of the chairman, the Hon. J. McLeod.

The superintendent (Mr. T. Horton) stated there was nothing of special interest to report, the work of the month being chiefly general maintenance. The new work in the sportsground was nearing completion and should be finished in a few days.

Mr. G. W. Gorringe wrote asking if the committee would consider the erection of swings and a see-saw on the area of the park between Hughes Walk and Gilbert Street. He said it would be of great benefit to many children and the cost would not be considerable.

The superintendent stated that there had been two swings which were broken and were at present being repaired. When in commission they got a good deal of use. The matter of their re-erection was left in the hands of the superintendent.

The New Plymouth Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club wrote asking the committee to have the 100 yards track lights moved to the eastern side of the ground.

It was decided to ask the club how it was proposed to meet the expense involved, as the committee felt it had gone to its limit so far as the lighting of the ground was concerned.

The club was granted the use of the sportsground for an electric light meeting on the evening of Boxing Day.

The question of painting and repair work required to buildings in the park was referred to Messrs. Amoore, F. Parker and the superintendent for a report to the next meeting of the committee