"TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED"

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 60, 12 March 1934, Page 6

"TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED"

(To the Editor.) Sir,—''Robin Hood's" complaint or his and other trampers' treatment at the hands of property owners sounds the revival of an old question with the argument for each side seemingly unassailable from the ranks of the other. The majority is yet again suifering for the actions of an irresponsible minority, mostly of the larrikin type, whose idea of a weekend's pleasure is to wreak as much damage as possible on the preserves of others. '' The aggressive action advocated by •'Robin Hood" in defying property owners is not only going to antagonise the landlord further; it is also-unworthy of the endorsement of real trampers and sportsmen. "Robin Hood" must admit that the owner is due for some consideration, and one day he will realise that the trespass law is not as elastic as he supposes. The average landowner will tolerate quite a few broken fences, frightened stock, and damaged pastures before going to the length of closing his property to itinerant "trampers, campers, and other idle persons," to whom one handsomelydecorated deterrent notice is dedicated not far from the city. And yet the solution is not- beyond reach. Over-saddled as this small country is with hampering legislation, the strict enforcing of an efficient trespass law, the principles of which would be heavy penalties for infringement and monetary compensation tor actual damage done would surely meet with the • approval of. the majority of farmers and property owners, who are usually among the most reasonable of men. Even -'Robin Hood" would not object to them demanding some protection from the above privileges granted.—l am, etc., E..E. YOUNG. ;■' ■ (To the Editor.) Sir,—ln your issue of the 10th instant appears a letter by "Robin Hood" on the mconsideration of country residents who protest at his camping on their property without permission. As an unbiased urbamte, who.hais enjoyed the-courtesy and. hospitality. of many farmers, I suggest that inquiries at the farm may elicit the desired consentr~and the disposal of refuse in. a proper manner will-enhance the owner's opinion of the. campers-and cause him to consider' other applications in a more favourable light.—l am, etc.,