CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8064, 27 September 1887, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

DESTRUCTION OF KAURI TREES Bl GUM DIGGERS. TO THE KDITOB.

Sib,—Settlers and landowner! in the Waitakerei district are complaining of the destruction to property there caused by gumdiggers. It appears that these men wander over private property (kauri bueh land) at will, and, for the sake of the little gum they get about the roots of the kauri trees, actually grub np the trees, and they are so much injured that they die. It will be necessary for the owners of kauri bushes in this district to call in the service of the police to protect their property, as, when these gnmdiggors are ordered off the land, they decline to leave. They are under the impression that they only run the risk of m Is fine, whereas they are liable to a fine o! £10, or three months' imprisonment. Wa quote part of section 6of the Police Offences Act, 1884:—"Any person who commits any of the next following offences is liable to a penalty of not exceeding £10, or to imprisonment for a period not exceed* ing three months, that is to say—(3) " Wilfully trespasses in any place and neglects or refuses to leave such plsce after being warned to do so by the owner or any person authorised by or on behalf of the owner." 5 " Wilfully set on fire any timber, bash, scrub, grass, fern, flax, or other vegetation upon any land not his own property, or in his own occupation." It is stated that in the Paha bash aljne there are 40 to 50 men, and hundreds of kauri trees damaged or destroyed. Storekeepers buying this gum, and supplying stores, &c, should be held liable for the damage done, and the gam stolen, as it would be impossible for these depredations to be carried on if supplies were not packed from the Waimanka and other places. However, a raid is to be made by the police, and these unscrupulous individuals will hare to pay the penalty of the law, and have the gum seized, and the gum buyer probably charged with receiving stolen articles.—l have, &c, Cobbespondeni.