PROTECT BEAUTY SPOTS IN YOUR TRAVELS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 22, 21 October 1937, Page 18

PROTECT BEAUTY SPOTS IN YOUR TRAVELS

An Appeal To The Campers And

Picknickers

It'is not too early at the threshold of summer, or the touring season, to remind motorists of their obligations insofar as camping and picnicking spots are concerned. This week-end, for many, will be the official opening of the regular tours, picnics or camps of the new season, and while the clematis, particularly, is in glorious flower an appeal is made for the complete preservation of that beauty for which our New Zealand countryside is noted.

Last season there were many complaints dealing with the litter left by campers and picnickers at the various places set aside for motorists, and the hope is expressed that no such complaints will be made against motorists and their families this summer. Much of the trouble over uiitidy camping and picnicking places is caused early in the season, and the opportunity is now taken to make a special appeal for the complete observance of all the rules of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation.

At recognised camping places receptacles are provided for all kinds of litter, and there is no excuse for motorists and others leaving rubbish about. It should be the aim of all users of camping or picnicking places to leave the spots where they halt as clean and tidy as when they found them. If all motorists treated the countryside and its beauty spots with the same'carefulness that they do their own lawns or back-

yards, there would be no complaints of untidiness or vandalism.

Should a party camp or picnic at some place away from the recognised or 'official ■ Camping grounds care should be taken, if receptacles are not provided, to bury or destroy all paper, remnants of foodstuffs and other litter. Litter left unburied encourages pests of various kinds and causes general unpleasantness. Children should be taught to be tidy; they should be taught, too, that the countryside which they and their parents are privileged to roam at will is a heritage which should be protected, and that nothing should be done to despoil or pollute, or litter the beauty places so readily available. Where fireplaces are provided they should be used: where they are not provided the greatest circumspection should be shown in lighting the camp or picnic fire. Care should be taken to prevent pasture or bush • fires, and live embers should not be left ' unquenched at the end of the dav.