LEAFY LIVING MEMORIAL

In your December issue, you asked readers to send you details of trees of cultural or historic significance. I wish to put forward not one but nearly 500 crab apples, maples, oaks and more that are part of a mass planting in the streets of Papanui in Christchurch to remember the fallen service people of WWII.

This planting has been overlooked and largely forgotten in recent years; it’s not within the records of the Christchurch council as a memorial, even though the streets carry plaques. It simply got lost within the council archives.

Given the lost knowledge, it’s amazing that this planting is still largely intact. There’s nothing more wonderful on a dull autumn day than looking west to see the setting sun past the butter-yellow leaves of Perry St’s large gingko trees, except maybe joining on a crisp Anzac morning the returned service people of Papanui and some 3000 residents to march out of St James Ave under the bronze and red tones of the oaks lining the road.

After some research, we believe this to be the largest such memorial of its kind in New Zealand. There were originally 15 streets acknowledged, but recently it has been decided that Tillman Ave will be added to the list, in honour of Harry Tillman, whose vision and drive saw this memorial planted. Tillman Ave, which leads to the local primary school, is planted in oaks, it was Harry’s hope that the trees would enlighten the young minds that walked under them.

I do so hope you can help the residents of Papanui South and the Papanui RSA let the wider population of New Zealand know about these trees, so they may not just enjoy their beauty but also take a moment to reflect on the reason for their planting. Margaret Howley, PAPANUI