Letters

Trees in the Square

I don’t understand why there are no New Zealand native trees in the Square!
Clive Paton was recently awarded the highest environmental award for his work on the conservation and propagation of the northern Rata.Why not a rata as the first of other New Zealand trees in the Square?
Over recent years the maintenance of the present trees has improved greatly but none are indigenous, most are deciduous and native to the northern hemisphere and the six or so evergreens are native to Australia!

Why no kowhai, whose graceful habit and beautiful flowers would attract more tuis? Even the grand, but frost-tender puriri, favourite of kereru, could grow within the shelter of other trees.Why no titoki, indigenous to the Wairarapa? And what about the pretty, smaller makomako (wineberry)more appropriate to grape country by name and origin than the favoured claret ash .
First, it is surely important that a special place is made for a Northern Rata. Then as space is (made) available, PLEASE some of the other beautiful local trees!
Angela Sears

Flagging it in Martinborough
I’ve been thinking. If we ever get to change our country’s traditional flag, will we need to redesign our town’s famous square? No chance, of course, with current bigger financial fish to fry; but what about a small compromise to make a statement which wouldn’t cost too much? I reckon the raised circle garden beds in the square would look stunning with mass planting of silver ferns and the surrounds painted black. Just a thought …
Maree Roy

The Fifth Jazz Festival
The latest Festival was surely the best yet: it was bigger, there were more people around town, evening performances were sold out and there was some wonderful music!   From cautious beginnings in the Spring of 2011, we have come of age and next year’s festival is already being planned.
How has this happened?   A small team of organisers has put huge effort over many, many hours  –  all entirely voluntary.   The community is in full support, selflessly giving their time, their goods, their produce and their cash.   The vineyards/wineries give their wine, the brewery its beer, those who can give their accommodation, Thrive/Thunderpants give boutique clothing, the butcher gives a ham (he doesn’t even like jazz!) and P&K give most things you can think of.  So many individuals and businesses contribute.   We thank them all and hope they derive benefit from their generosity.
Many of you are aware of the “small team of organisers” and we must thank them too :  Ted Preston is music man, Lee Quayle continues with publicity, Bruce McMichael does the secondary schools’ Fresh Jam (3 weeks before the Festival) as well as Kids’ Stuff (a special session on the Friday with over 100 Sth Wairarapa primary kids cramming the Hall), Mary Quayle’s on Hall and catering, Sam Cooke is website and posters.  Alan and Mich Le Maitre have helped in many ways but have now stood aside because of other commitments.  We thank them all and their helpers, not forgetting our valuable Hon Sec/Treas, Caroline Ross of The Hive and the valuable outside sponsors Trust House Masterton and Genesis Energy.

JIM Fest wasn’t set up as a fundraiser but surplus money is directed to the District Council to improve the Town Hall and its equipment.   Without that amazing 1912 facility our event could hardly function.   An announcement about this will be made by Martinborough Events Trust, registered for charitable purposes, No. CC50836. 
Ian Cresswell