BOTANIC GARDEN (2)
Continuation.
The old fountain which had formed the subject of so many snapshots by visitors, with its interesting water plants, huge goldfish and choruses of bullfrogs, has vanished, being replaced by a new type of fountain at a lower level.
I publish on this page a photograph of the Gardens and old fountain taken in the late Eighties, by Mee Cheung, showing the thick foliage that existed then on an area which is now laid out with benches and walks.
It is interesting to note the history of this vanished fountain for so many years a picturesque feature of the Gardens. It was erected in 1868, and it is worth recording that, with so much granite available here for the purpose, the entire structure was imported, even the freestone of which it was built coming from England. In 1910 the upper basin split into two, and one half fell away, and considerable repairs became necessary to the whole structure which were carried out with cement.
It was dismantled and removed in 1932, after sixty-four years of use.
By courtesy of the present Superintendent, I have been able to peruse some of the old records of the Gardens, and notes taken from these will be incorporated in a concluding article.
BOTANIC GARDEN (3)
ILLUSTRATED.
We have seen, in the last article, how the Botanic Gardens came into existence, and how they came originally to be attached to the Survey Department. On the arrival of Mr. Ford as Superintendent in 1871, there was a temporary period of semi-independence for the Botanical and Forestry Department, but it reverted in 1877 to the control of the Surveyor General, Mr. J.M. Price. This led to considerable dissension, and Mr. Ford was prominent in the opposition put up. It was not until March 15, 1879, that the management of the Botanic Gardens and the Government Forestry Plantations was again placed under the Superintendent.
A report which gave the whole history of the trouble was published in the Government Gazette on October 16, 1879, but (in a way they had then) was subsequently "cancelled" by order of the Secretary of State, on February 15, 1881. It may be assumed that the dissensions which had arisen were looked upon as disturbing to the good order and dignity of the Government service - but the affair having been given printed publicity could hardly be buried away by a mere order from Home, and the records give us to-day a full insight into Mr. Ford's fight for independence.
In a report issued by the Superintendent in 1879, the year of the Department coming again under his control, he sets out the history of the affair in full.
BOTANIC GARDEN ( 2 )
Continuation.
The old fountain which had formed the subject of so many snapshots by visitors, with its interesting water plants, huge goldfish and choruses of bullfrogs, has vanished, being replaced by a new type of fountain at a lower level.
I publish on this page a photograph of the Gardens and old fountain taken in the late Eighties, by Mee Cheung, showing the thick foliage that existed then on an area which is now laid out with benches and walks.
It is interesting to note the history of this vanished fountain for so many years a picturesque feature of the Gardens. It was erected in 1868, and it is worth recording that, with so much granite available here for the purpose, the entire structure was imported, even the freestone of which it was built coming from England. 1910 the upper basin split into two, and one half fell away, and considerable repairs became necessary to the whole structure which were carried out with cement.
It was dismantled and removed in 1932, after
sixty-four years of use.
In
By courtesy of the present Superintendent, I have been able to peruse some of the old records of the Gardens, and notes taken from these will be incorporated ia a concluding article.
BOTANIC GARDEN ↑ 3 )
ILLUSTRATED.
We have seen, in the last article, how the Botanic Gardens came into existence, and how they came originally to be attached to the Survey Department. On the arrival of Mr. Ford as Superintendent in 1871, there was a temporary period of semi-independence for the Botanical and Forestry Department, but it reverted in 1877 to the control of the Surveyor General, Mr. J.M. Price. This led to considerable dissension, and Mr. Ford was prominent in the opposition put up. It was not until March 15, 1879, that the management of the Botanic Gardens and the Government Forestry Plantations was again placed under the Superintendent. A report which gave the whole history in the trouble was published in the Government Gazette, On October, 16, 1879, but ( in a way they had then) was subsequently " cancelled) by order of the Secretary of State, on February 15, 1881 It may be assumed that the dissensions which had arisen were looked upon as disturbing to the good order and dignity of the Government service - but the affair having been given printed publicity could hardly be buried away by a mere order from Home, and the records give us to-day a full insight into Mr. Ford's fight for independence.
In a report issued by the Superintendent in 1879, the year of the Department coming again under his control, he sets out the history of the affair in full.
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