'The tree's extensive root buttress, trunk circumference and age are the outstanding characteristics of this massive landscape feature. The tree was planted by Mrs Henry Adams, probably between 1854 - 1857 along with others, which were possibly planted along Bronte Street. They were on the property bought by her husband in January 1854. Stables and a fowl yard were close to the tree and the house was a little further down the hill. Mr Henry Adams was one of the earliest lawyers in Nelson. The property was mortgaged to the Bank of New Zealand which foreclosed in 1880. The Nelson College Governors bought it in 1882 as a site for the secondary school for girls which they were planning. The tree is woven through the memories of the girls and staff since the school began in 1883. Perhaps the first written record is from Miss Beatrice Gibson who arrived in 1890 to be the second Principal. She was only 24 and was most apprehensive as she was driven under its branches and up to the school. The tree was often decorated with flags and bunting for special occasions like the 60th Jubilee of Victoria's reign in 1897 and Armistice Day in 1918. This was also done for important visitors like Lord Jellicoe in 1921. The tree's existence was threatened in 1923 when the City Engineer, Mr Littlejohn, said that the nearby tennis courts would be a good place for a swimming pool and that the Gum and some Firs would have to come down due to litter and shade. It has been the theme for many essays, poems, paintings and photographs through the years. In September 1932, Mr Davies, of the Cawthron Institute, presented the school with a handsome photograph he had taken and Mr Ellis Dudgeon was to produce another excellent photo later. From 1933 to 1953 a lino cut of the tree featured on the cover of the school magazine and a tree design was used in the 1970s. A tree surgeon worked on the Gum in July 1973. The large root area has been a favourite place for meeting friends, waiting for buses, watching the traffic, eating lunch, having photos taken and reading books etc. In other words the tree has been an integral part of the life of the school from the start'. Grundy 1990. (Information supplied by Lois Voller Past Principal 1959 - 1979 Nelson Girls College.) Reference. Burstall SW & Sale EV. 'Great Trees of New Zealand.' 1984; p. 186. The trees is protected as a heritage tree on the Nelson City Council resource management plan.