This tree was one of two oaks known as the Suter Oaks which were controversially felled on 13 August 2012 to make way for the redevelopment of the Suter Art Gallery. It is thought that at least one of the two oaks (early images clearly suggest this tree) was planted in February 1892 as part of a double or even triple commemoration - firstly for the opening of the Queen's Gardens, which was in itself Nelson's commemoration of Queen Victoria's 1887 Jubilee; and also for 1892 being the 50th year of Nelson as a colonial settlement (Beaumont, 2011, ref: 1). This tree was located on the western side of the Eel Pond, immediately adjacent to the original Suter Gallery entrance. The second tree can be seen on record NNR/1186. Although the land the trees were planted on was later purchased by the Bishop Suter Art Gallery Trust, the trees and the woodland path have historically been considered to be part of the setting of the Queen's Gardens (Beaumont, L. 2011, ref: 2). Both trees were listed as 'of local significance' in the Nelson City Council District Plan, however the history of the trees was not known at the time of listing (Brinkman, E. 2014).
References
1) 'Landscape Conservation Plan, Queen's Gardens, Nelson', 2011. Beaumont, L. Section 2.2.7 pp 20-21.
2) 'Landscape Conservation Plan Queen's Gardens, Nelson', 2011. Beaumont, L. Section 3.3.1
3) Suter plans depend on oak trees fate (Nelson Mail, Wednesday 01 February, 2012).
Council decides oak trees seen as risk (Nelson Mail, Tuesday 31 July, 2012).
Suter oaks finally felled (Nelson Mail, Monday 13 August, 2012).
Demise of oak trees slated by gardens supporter (Nelson Mail, Wednesday 15 August, 2012).
Felled oaks may be used in gallery revamp (Nelson Mail, Wednesday 29 August, 2012).