ARBOR DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2166, 23 August 1907, Page 2

ARBOR DAY.

Arbor Day celebration provided a pleasant break in the monotony of school work yesterday afternoon. The scholars were assembled at the Gisborne school at 2 o’clock, and briefly addressed by Air. J. Somervell, chairman of tbo committee. Tho speaker directed juvenile attention to tho rapid rate the forests of Now Zealand were being denuded, drawing an object lesson from tho wilful waste, and seeking to inculcate in the children a love lor Nat.uro study and nil appreciation of the fine trees and shrubs indigenous to tho colony. Mr. AV. Morgan, a member of the Education Board, spoke in a similar strain, pointing out tho advantage of treeplanting, and tho pleasure dorivablo from an intelligent study of tree and plant life. Air. Darton then explained to the young folks the method of planting, making clear that only at certain seasons of tho year could transplanting bo carried out. After this a very mice lot of young trees were distributed, two to each standard, ami the lads set to w'ork with great enthusiasm, showing that they had intelligently grasped the idea. Soane eighteen trees and shrubs were placed in position, completing a fine belt along tho side of the school. Among tho trees were totara, kabikatea, rimu, kauri (of which the youngsters were especially proud, because it is the' first in Gisborne), pohutukawa, birch, thousand-jacket, kakia’s beak (red and white varieties), and red manuka (a rarity). An interesting companion to the karaka was set — the whan (corkwood) tree, which it was first explained was introduced into New Zealand by tho Maoris, who used the cork-rimmed branches for floating their nets. Some of tho varieties named were kindly donated by Air. Alec. Thomson, and Mr. Darton contributed a number, one or two of which were obtained from Christchurch. It is intended to place smaller trees, flowering and other shrubs, ferns, etc., in between the larger trees, and for the school AD. Thomson has offered a supply of roses, so that before long the grounds should present a cheerful aspect. The gardening over, Mr. Darton gave a lesson in taking levels by the use .of honingrods, a hint useful to amateurs. The rods utilised on this occasion were made by the bovs of tho carpentry dass, and were very neat and well finished off. Tho outing, attended by the teachers and a number of parents and friends of the pupils, was much relished by the children, ami should have beneficial results.