First Arbor Day, Greytown, 1890

Parade to mark the first Arbor Day, 3 July 1890
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The first Arbor Day, held in Greytown on 3 July 1890, was an important day for the town, marked by a procession, bands and a public holiday for everyone.

The Evening Post reported

The Arbor Day festival is in full swing. About 240 children attending the public school are on the march to the planting ground at the south end of the town, with band playing and flags flying.

The procession is a lengthy one, with the Mayor and Councillors, the heads of other municipal bodies, clergymen, citizens, and a large number of Maoris following the children.

The waggon with the trees is gaily decorated with flags, the driver being dressed in character. The shops are closed, and the day is observed as a general holiday.

Sir George Grey and Mr. W.C. Buchanan, M.H.R., intended to be present, but the debate in Parliament has detained them.  Both gentlemen have subscribed five guineas each to the demonstration.

The planting will take place after a speech by the Mayor.

Great interest is taken in the event, and there are numbers of persons in Greytown from the surrounding districts.

Sources:
Wairarapa Archives
Papers Past