August 13th 2013
Tree planting to commemorate historic event
An oak tree is to be planted in Hastings Queen’s Square to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen
Elizabeth the Second.
In 1897, an oak tree was planted in Queen’s Square to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria
and tomorrow’s event will continue the commemoration of historic events in Hastings.
A short ceremony will be led by the vicar of St Mathews Anglican Church, the Rev’d Helen Wilderspin and the oak tree
will be planted by Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule.
Mr Yule says “The oak tree planted in 1897 continues to flourish in Queen’s Square and I am pleased that we will again
be able to commemorate such a historic event in New Zealand’s history. The Hastings District has grown and developed
enormously since 1897 and so has the oak tree planted in memory of the reign of Queen Victoria. This is such an
appropriate way of commemorating the 60 year anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second.”
The tree planted in 1897 can be seen on the Willowpark Road side of Queen’s Square and is accompanied by a plaque which
includes details of the event.
A display has been assembled in the Hastings War Memorial Library which includes photos of the 1897 event and includes
some of the history of Queen’s Square.
The oak tree planting will be held on Wednesday 14th August at 3pm in Queen’s Square.
ends