Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1949. GARDEN PLOTS DAMAGED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 267, 24 August 1949, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1949. GARDEN PLOTS DAMAGED

The reported depredations by irresponsible persons in the garden plots in Baring Square and the activities of a motorist in transforming the basketball area in the Domain into a broadsiding arena are matters which should command public interest and attention. Quite obviously no persons possessing any sense of civic pride, a love of flowers or property and gardens of their own ■would be guilty of \vilfully_ destroying public' property. The fact that the flower beds were trampled down and that bicycle tyre marks were very much in evidence suggests that the trouble was caused by boys or youths, in all probability the latter who, for want of something better to occupy their time, resorted to cycle gymnastics in areas which, should" they happen to fall, they would hurt themselves least.

Ashburton can justifiably' take pride in its domain and garden plots, all of which have been the subject of very favourable comment by visitors. Realising this, the civic authorities have made as much provision as possible for expenditure on staff, equipment and material so that the curator can keep all areas not merely in a tidy condition, but so planted as to present the most attractive dis - plays at all seasons of the veyi. Much of the planting out is done from the council’s own piopagating houses, and it is simply a matter of wasted time, energy and money to find their efforts wrecked as has been done recently. Not so very long ago some public spirited citizens offered to keep an eye on the domain because, o damage, and petty thieving which was going on, and it looks as though some similar action will need to be taken in regard to other areas of the town. Persons caught damaging public property should not have extended to them the slightest leniency.