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In 1935 Paul and wife Jean Harris toured Australia and New Zealand. Paul recalled, “With the cooperation of Rotarians and local governments, I have planted friendship trees in the parks and playgrounds on five continents of the world and even on some of the major islands of the seas. Our trees stood as symbols of international understanding and good-will.”
On 16th April 1935 Paul was in Christchurch. In a busy day having a welcome at Lyttelton wharf, had a civic reception with the mayor at 11am, a meeting with Rotary Club of Christchurch at 12:30pm and managed to plant a friendship tree in the Botanic Gardens. On the 17th he took the train to Dunedin stopping in Timaru and Oamaru on the way.
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CIVIC RECEPTION TO ROTARY FOUNDER.—The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.PJ talking to Mr Paul P. Harris, the founder of Rotary, and Mrs Harris at the civic reception in the Council Chamber.
CHRISTCHURCH VISIT OF THE FOUNDER OF ROTARY.—Mr Paul P. Harris, of Chicago, the founder of Rotary, was the guest of honour at a luncheon of the Christchurch Rotary Club. Mr Harris delivering an address to members.
A group photograph taken after the luncheon. From left: Mr S. W. Jameson (secretary), Mr J. Mawson Stewart (president), Mr F. I. Washbourne (president, Timaru Rotary Club), Mr Harris, Mr J. M. A. llott (District Governor of Rotary in New Zealand), and Mr Denys Hoare (a past president of the Christchurch Rotary Club).
Photograph taken of the plaque next to the tree Paul planted.
Paul planted a Zelkova serrata tree in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Its still there located near the childrens playground and next to the womens toilets. Tree photo June 2019
Rotary International President Ron Burton 2013 - 2014 and wife Jetta visit the Paul Harris tree 10 Oct 2012
Rotary International President Mark Maloney 2019 - 2020 and wife Gay visit the Paul Harris tree 19 Sep 2019
