METHOD OF GARBAGE COLLECTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22586, 15 March 1948, Page 4

METHOD OF GARBAGE COLLECTION

THE one objection to Mix Kohn’s proposal that householders should bring their rubbish tins to their front gates for collection by the borough employees was the subject, of attention on Saturday from two correspondents who expressed concern over the-position in which elderly people and invalids might find themselves if no outside help were available. But, in general, Mr. Kohn’s plan is so good—it is in fact the rule rather than the exception in other New Zealand towns—that, every effort should be. made to put. it into practice. As a time-saver the advantages are self-obvious, irrespective of the issue as to whether or not motor lorries or horse-drawn vehicles are used. Newcomers to Gisborne are invariably astonished at the heavy duties allotted to the garbage collectors here. There is sound reason for the opinion expressed in a letter which wo publish this evening: “I was amazed when 1 came to reside in Gisborne about three years ago to find that garbage was collected from the backyard of each residence. As far as my knowledge goes, this is not done anywhere else in New Zealand. ”

The solution of the one problem to which we have referred is easily found. Elderly people living alone, or invalids, can always be granted exemption from the task of handling their rubbish tins. Borough employees on their regular rounds soon learn the identity of people lo whom special consideration should be shown and. if they are relieved of a large proportion of their more onerous work, it is certain that they will fall in readily enough with any policy of dispensation framed to meet individual needs. It often happens, however, that even this informal spirit of give-and-take is not essential if thoughtful neighbours rally to the aid of residents not physically able to carry their tins to the street-line.