UNSIGHTLY HOARDINGS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 3 February 1931, Page 9

UNSIGHTLY HOARDINGS

(To the Editor) Sir.—l read in your Saturday’s issue the account of the Governor-General's message to the people of Greymouth. As reported, he referred to the scenery of the West Coast and hoped “they would keep it from the hands of vandals and prevent commercial greed doing here what it had done in the Old Country.” This reminded me that lie used similar words when speaking in Nelson some six weeks ago. On that occasion he doubtless had in mind two local ugly pieces of commercialism. I am not against hoardings when in their proper

place, and when they preserve some dignity and decency. But one in Nelson, becomes more and more blatant with every change of advertisement. How came the City Council to permit its erection, and why do they let it remain? It is not only a source of horror to many but it is a positive danger. The Council’s action is the more remarkable wlien one considers its prompt and commendable interest in the advertising on the rubbish receptacles. I wonder what would be the/position if a large number of shopkeepers applied for permission to erect similar pieces of “vandalism?” What would the public, have to say if a hundred or more of these hoardings appeared all ovpr the City? The Governor well named these ugly things “weeds,” and as weeds have a habit of spreading, I appeal to our .Mayor and Councillors to cut down the first one before it starts breeding. —I am, etc., CIVIC PRIDE. Nelson, 3rd February.