Public opinion sought on historic stump

The old redwood stump in Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton.

Masterton District Council is stumping up to the public over the fate of what is left of an old redwood in Queen Elizabeth Park.

The stump, which was supposed to be preserved, has been hacked at by vandals and attempts have been made to set fire to it, causing a public outcry.

As a result, the council's Parks and Open Spaces task group met last week and discussed the plight of the redwood stump "at length".

Task group chairman Gary Caffell said the feeling was that the stump is in such a bad state that it should be uprooted altogether and a plaque in its memory could possibly be crafted from the stump itself.

Mr Caffell said the group wanted to get the thoughts of ratepayers before a firm recommendation was made to the council's policy and finance meeting next Wednesday.

"So I will be at the park between 12.30pm and 1pm on Friday to allow the public to have their say," he said.

The gathering would also have a chance to discuss other plans for the park and Masterton Cemetery.

"I would add that one of the saddest things about removing the stump would be the victory it gives the thoughtless idiots who are responsible for the damage done to it.

"The council is very mindful of its historical significance and removal is not an easy decision to make as a consequence.

"The structure over the stump also needs some repair work but there is no intention to also remove it," Mr Caffell said.