Thoughtless Cruelty

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 285, 29 August 1935, Page 11

Thoughtless Cruelty

Sir, —Through the medium of your columns 1 should like to draw attention to two forms of cruelty and thoughtlessness existing almost unnoticed in this community. First is the annual trapshooting ot birds, an account of which was given in your paper of August 21. Is it not time that this stupid slaughter of our bird-friends is put to an end? Scientists tell us that if it were not for our birds all vegetation would be attacke<l by insect pests and cease to exist in an incredibly short time, in six months, according to the “Observer” of April 14. It needs little imagination to picture the slaughter of these little benefactors of humanity as they are released bewildered from the trap. It is a revolting thing for this so-called civilised community to countenance and report without protest in our papers. Secondly, as an example of thoughtlessness and neglect, one has only to look at the beautiful shrubs withered and dying in the wooden tubs round our Town Hall. If they are watered, it must be at most irregular intervals. Generally the soil round them is baked as hard and dry as the surface of the road, and their wilted, drooping appearance depresses every tree and nature-lover who passes them. Could not regular attendance be given these shrubs? —I am, etc., HUM ANITAS. Wellington, August 27.