VANDALISM IN THE CITY RESERVES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12830, 26 November 1903, Page 8

VANDALISM IN THE CITY RESERVES.

WANTON DESTRUCTION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY.

In moving the adoption of the Reserves Committee's report at the City Council meeting last evening the Chairman of the committee (Or Crust) stated that a few weeks ago ho had to report that a number of no\vly-ni;int«l trees (beeches) had been wnntonly pulled up an the Woodhaugh reserve. Thctrece had been left'lying on tho ground, as they were dead when the gardeners noticed them. Sinco then, someone—; Who it was he did not know, but .it was ho one connected with tho reserves— had carefully replanted tho trees ill tho places they had 'been pulled from. He need hardly say the treos were still dead. He regretted to report that during the fast, few days a number of plants _ and shrubs had been stolon from the Botanical Gardens and about 20 recently-planted _ flowering plants had hoen taken from the Woodhaugh reserve. One o( tho gardeners tracod the plants from Woodhaugh garden and found them nicely planted in a neighbouring private garden, The gardener spoke to the owner of the place, and said if tho plants were not returned there would bo trouble. The plants were sent back and replanted in tho reserve. Ho had made inquiries into this, matter, and found that the culprit was not in good circumstances, and, as tho plants Had been returned, lie recommended ihat.no action should be taken in the direction of, prosecuting. At the same time ho would like everyone lo fsnow that the council did not- intend to allow the property of tho public under its control to be wantonly interfered with, and that in future prosecution would follow whenever anyone was caught damaging or stealing plants or shrubs in the gardens or reservci'. A good deal of damage'was dono by lads, about the cricket pitches and football grounds on, the Holt. They climbed ■ into (he trees, breaking down the branches, and trampled down and eat on the f!ax and low-growing slvrubs. He liked to ste young men and lads enjoying themselves at manly sports, but they must leqrn to respect public propert}', The girla, too, were not blameless. They were inveterate fern-huntera, and it was no., uncommon tiling to see girls, and even grown-up women who should know better, .coming from tho bush on tho Belt with quantities of ferns. There were only some of the common varieties of ferns left 1 about the Belt now, and it was only_ a matter of a few years, as things were going on, until, there would bo hardly a fern of any description to be found on the reserves. Fires were also a serious mcnace, and far tooapmmou about 'the Belt. When one waiPfitarted thero.was no telling where itwould stop. Ho would, urge parents and teachers to discourage children picking and destroying .ferns and plants. If the bush and plants oould nor, bo preserved otherwise the council would lie obliged to fence off reserves and prevent public access. He trusted this step would not- be necessary. Cr Crust .concluded with a tribute of praise to tho superintendent of reserves (Mr Tonnock). That- gentleman, raid Or Crust, iva-! an ndniirer of the nativo bush and flora, and was anxious to get specimens of all varieties obtainable and perpetuate them. Mr Tannock was an enthusiast in his line, and Dunodin had been fortunate in securing his services. ' It was to be hoped citizens would assist in protecting the beautiful surroundings of Dunedin.

Cr Rally expressed satisfaction that Cr Crust should liavo brought up Ihppe matters. Vandalism in the Gardens . and reecrwa must lie put down with a strong hand, and perhaps the committee would consider a suggestion t6 invito the co-oneration of cit-izcns and tho appointment of a number of honorary rangers. Cr Clir istio also spoke to the report, and said lie was plowed to hear Cr Crust's remarks about the necessity of suppressing tho jvanton destruction of public property. It would be a good step to enlist the sympathy and co-operation of teachers of the various schools in teaching the children to take a pride in and care of the public gardeni" and reserves. Tho report was then adopted.