PUBLIC OPINION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 569, 28 June 1933, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION

(To the Editor)

C. & B. PERKINS.

The "Post" at all tlmes welcomes correspondence from its readers. It must, however, be clearly understood that we accept nc responsibility for the views expressed by our correspondents. poisoning of dogs

•Sir, — In the various civilised countries you will find that arrangements are made by the community to deal with dogs if they become a nuisance Unclaimed and unregistered animals are periodieally impounded and humanely destroyed. In this town on the other h'and, it seems to be the custom •for individuals to administer strichnine to the animals of the neighbourhood at random — in same cases by town dwellers who resent the existence of dogs and cats, in others it is said by those interested in lambing, since there is an increase of such deaths in June. * It is generally known by the neigh■bours who the individuals are, and they themselves know that they are liable to civil actions and also to police prosecution for putting poison on or near the roads. They are not only committing an anti-social act in taking it upon themselves to destroy the property of others, but also by inflicting an agonising death upon animals beloved by their owners, they set themselves apart from decent people* Further, they are a danger to the human species. It will not be long before some small hungry] child picks up this bait in the street and absorbs the strichnine, with unpleasant consequences to all concerned. From many conversations we have had with persons who have lost animals in this way, we judge that public opinion would suppoi-t action by the local authorities designed to suppress this savage custom and substitute some better svstern. — iW e are, etc.,

GOVERNMENT GOLF COURSE Sir, — May I call attention to the . curtailment of the pleasures of Rotorua's visitors — that is if the information I received is correct — and I understand my informant is an officiai of the Motutara Golf Club. This afternoon, being the holder of an annual ticket for the Government golf links, a friend and I went for a game and while waiting on No. 1 tee a player just finishing No. 9 hole informed us that the links were reserved for the use of the Motutara Golf Club members on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons, and we had no right to be playing. I had never been informed of any such ruling by the Government office or the greenkeeper and we played our drive stroke, and within 20 yards of the tee our informant and partner played their drive strokes making us very uncomfortable, knowing the danger of a well driven golf ball. On No. 2 hole we received the same treatment. On the No. 3 tee we appealed to the greenkeeper as to these restrictions regarding hours and time of play and he informed us that he knew nothing about it or had he received any instructions to that effect. My informant then said that no doubt the matter had been overlooked, but the greenkeeper would no doubt receive instructions to the effect that on Saturday land Wednesday afternoons the links were to be reserved for the use of the Motutara Golf Club members only. Now, sir, the matter from the public point of vitew: Is it wise for a town like Rotorua that practically depends on visitors to restrict the visitors' use of the links, especially at week-ends. There is no doubt the links draw a great number of visitors to Rotorua every week-end and to restrict their time of play would quickly send visitors away elsewhere for'their golf. In any case why grant. the Motutara Club exclusive rights over a public links. I also understand that it is prepared to restrict the professional's times as well as those of his pupils on the links. Now there are quiet a number of visitors every week that avail themselves of the services of the professional and the excellent links for learning on, and Rotorua wants every visitor that can be drawn to the town. I am a fairly frequent player on the links and at no time have the pupils or their teacher interfered with my game. There is no doubt that it draws quite a number of visitors to the town every week who wish to learn the game and see the sights _ of Rotorua at the same time. If the Motutara Club require exclusive rights to links why not provide their own. — I am, etc. ANNUAL TICKET. June 24, 1933. DEPARTMENT'S REPLY When approached regarding the above letter, Mr. L. J. Bayfeild, the Tourist Department's district manager, said that the department's intention was to grant to the Motutara Golf Club certain privileges on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, on the lines of those already granted the Rotorua Bowling Club in the Sanatorium Grounds. It must be clearly understood that these privileges do not extend over the whole afternoon, but only for an hour or so in the early part of the afternoon in order that local club matches can be commenced. Even with the above privilege it is expected that if number one tee is unoccupied at any time during the afternoon in question, visitors can tee up and play off.