Spade, Garden
Description
A ceremonial garden spade with a curved wooden shaft with a "D" handle and a thin, flat steel blade. "Presented to Miss Carrington" is inscribed on the front of the handle in red paint. "On Her Planting First Tree in Recreation Ground New Plymouth 24 May 1876" is written in red paint on the reverse of the handle.
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Object detail
Credit line
A
spade
which
helped
establish
a
Taranaki
treasure
is
part
of
the
Puke
Ariki
heritage
collection.
This ceremonial spade, with a specially inscribed handle, was used by Jane Carrington to plant the first trees in the Recreation Ground, now Pukekura Park, on 29 May 1876. The first trees planted were an oak representing Britain, puriri (New Zealand), Norfolk Island pine (the Pacific) and Monterey pine (the Americas). Guests at the official opening then continued the planting.
The spade has been used in other commemorative plantings since, including the centennial in 1976, but it is now retired from active service.
This ceremonial spade, with a specially inscribed handle, was used by Jane Carrington to plant the first trees in the Recreation Ground, now Pukekura Park, on 29 May 1876. The first trees planted were an oak representing Britain, puriri (New Zealand), Norfolk Island pine (the Pacific) and Monterey pine (the Americas). Guests at the official opening then continued the planting.
The spade has been used in other commemorative plantings since, including the centennial in 1976, but it is now retired from active service.
Accession number
A68.098
Collection type
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