Reporter’s diary

Press, 13 October 1982, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Does crime pay?

CRIME costs, the average New Zealand family of four $205.20 a year. Police figures for the year ended December 31, 1981, show that the total value of all property taken under the four main headings of robbery, burglary, theft and fraud came to $lO5 million, which works out at $33.16 a head. Of this, $5l million is recovered, or $16.10 a head, which leaves each member of the family paying $17.06. This is only half the story. These figures do not include the 23,467 cases of vandalism reported last year, quite apart from those which, for various reasons, were not reported to the police. The value of insured losses for arson alone was about $2O million — which adds another $6.27 to each New Zealander’s crime bill. Insurance claims for crimes committed last year came to $356 million, not including damages resulting from traffic offences, which were considerable. All these claims add another $27.97 per person to the bill or close to $llO for a family of four. This means the bill so far will cost the family $205.20. On top of this, but difficult to estimate, are the invisibles subh as increased costs of insurances in all

areas and the higher taxes and local body rates which add greatly to this bill.

Bumper set

RADIO 3ZM in Christchurch has produced a set of three bumper stickers to keep Ranfurly Shield fever simmering in Canterbury during the summer. The stickers read: “Ranfurly Shield Country," “Gri'z Rules OK!” and “When Deans sits down the light goes out.” 5000 copies of each sticker have been printed and are being ■ distributed through dairies this week. Nostalgia A RECENT ride on the Christchurch Botanical Gardens' “Toastrack” brought back fond memories to Mrs Helen Mulcock, a former city resident, now living in Auckland. The guide on the “Toastrack” pointed out a bed of flowers where once there was a heap of stone from which the house of one of the first curators, James Young, was built. As children, Mrs Mulcock and her sisters went to Te Whare preparatory school in Hereford Street, and spent many

fine lunch-times in the gardens. She recalls that the children stood in awe of Mr

Young, who would watch them to see that they did not damage the gardens. One day Mrs Mulcock was tempted to pick a piece off a young monkey puzzle tree. To her horror she looked up into the eyes of Mr Young. He told her that if she did such a thing again he would put her in prison. She believed him and never touched the tree again. The highlight of her recent ride on the “Toastrack" came when the guide called out: “On our left is an old monkey puzzle tree, maybe at least 80 years old.” Her feelings for Mr Young changed to gratitude and appreciation of his valuable work and dedication to the gardens. Made his mark JAMES YOUNG, the curator of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens from 1909 to 1933, is remembered for establishing several features of the gardens, including the Rose Garden, once thought to be the largest of its type in both Australia and New Zealand, and the children's playground. He began his career in horticulture in 1878 and after serving his apprenticeship and gaining further experience was placed in charge of the gardens at

Laxley Glen. Isle of Man. In 1887 he went to Australia as instructor in forestry at Mount Macedon, Victoria, and in 1903 came to New Zealand to take charge of the Ashburton Domain. Five years later he was appointed curator of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. Other features of the gardens established during Mr Young’s term as curator include the Cuningham and Townend glasshouses, and the tea kiosk. The formation of the extensive herbaceous border and the planting of several shrubberies, including collections of rhododendrons and lilacs were due to his efforts. One of his greatest achievements- was the converting of large shinglepits in the south-western portion of the Gardens into attractive garden features. Artesian wells to supply the water for pools were sunk, bog and rock gardens were formed, and an extensive garden.of native plants was established. Comeback hint? A RETURN of the Lincoln College principal, Professor Jim Stewart, to big-time rugby coaching has been mentioned as a possibility for his retirement, scheduled

for the end of 1983. Professor Stewart showed that it is on his mind too when he spoke at a field day on the college's Ashley Dene farm last week. He recalled a previous speaker saying that there was an agricultural pest on its way down from the Auckland area. “There is certainly a pest on its way from Auckland,” he said. “It has got 30 hairy legs and should be seen on Lancaster Park around next August." Nitpicking A RECENT edition of the “Government Tenders Gazette" included a call for tenders to provide 2000 toothpicks, in boxes of 1000. approximately 0.040 inches thick. Prospective tenderers were invited to telephone a Wellington number. Inquiries yesterday revealed that Post Office engineers require the toothpicks, which they use to activate relays. It seems they prefer flat ones to' round ones. We were also told that it is common practice for the Post Office to call tenders for such small items. But if you are thinking of going into the toothpick business to make a killing on Post Office contracts, you might have to wait for a while. The tender closed on Monday.