LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chronicle (Levin), 24 September 1946, Page 2

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

"AUSTRALIAN VISITOR."

SACRIFICE OF FINE TREES Sir, — A s a visitor to Otaki, I am aurprised to find local authorities allowing violent ex-plosions of gelignite to occur- several times each day. The health of elderly people, and of returned shell-shocked servicemenyis impaired as a result of these sudden detonations. If the purpose is to get rid of stumps there are other methods in use. May I touch on another matter which has struck me since visiting Otaki — the indiscriminate sacrifice of fine trees. Since my arrival I have noticed a fine kowhai, a noble pohutukawa, an exeellent specimen of azalea rosea, a fine vibumum ipulus oi* guelder rose— all these in different gardens, and most of them among the finest I have ever seen. Generally, new owners, with mistaken zeal, set to work "cleaning up" and know little of the value of such shrubs and trees from an artistic point of view. In conclusion, may I add that I have never before seen borough authorities allow so much hemlock to grow in gardens and even out on ,he roadways. Polson ivy, too, abounds and this can produce disastrous results with many people. The convolvulus pest, too. will never be eradicated until every owner of gardens is compelled to lccep his own plot of land clear— iliat or a fme, as has been institut•>d with good results in the case of gorse in North Auckland Absentee I owners are notified and have to mnploy labour or pay the fine. This rather than the destruction of trees which serve tb beautify the township should be the work of the rouncil and public alike. The reckless cutting of trees will soon cause our land to" have that flat monotonous appearance so common in parts of Australia, with its concomitants of drought, erosion and dust storms. Yours etc.,

Otaki, Sept. 23.