A SEASONABLE WORD.

Mt Benger Mail, 23 November 1938, Page 1

A SEASONABLE WORD.

CONDITION OF CAMPING AREAS. “Last camping season motorist campers gave voice to complaints concerning the condition in which they found camping areas, and the conduct of campers using those areas,” states the New Zealand Motor World. “We are now not so far from the opening of another camping season, and it is time to draw the attention of automobile associations, camp ground caretakers, and local bodies, or anyone else with authority over camping areas, to one phase of the complaints which may involve their jurisdiction. “It has been found that many motorists choose to take their camping holidays early in the season, the purpose being to avoid the rush period. Apparently some persons whose job,it is to look after some camping grounds overlook the possibility of early season callers, with the result that the areas are not all they might be from the point of view of tidiness. The complaint has been made of long grass and annoyance through rubbish not having been removed. At the end of each camping season all rubbish should be removed, and before the next season starts the grass at least should be given attention.

“Because of serious overcrowding at one or two camps last season there would seem, to be the necessity for such supervision as would limit the number allowed on the areas. This is imperative on the score of health alone. It is quite obvious that strict supervision must be exercised if healthy • surroundings are to be maintained. The amenities of every camping ground should be equal to the accommodation provided. There is no room for doubt on the subject. If people abuse the privileges which have been made available for them, and thus make themselves a nuisaice, there is cause for disciplinary action, and the police can look after that detail.

“A duty devolves on all motorists to be the wardens of the camping grounds they visit. It is the business of every individual to do the proper thing by striving to protect, preserve and maintain the cleanliness, beauty, and faciliies of the camping grounds they use. In that way the camping ground will have a good reputation as such, and the individual will have gained in reputation also. It is all a matter of ■thought, and perhaps a little pride.”