THE WOODHAUGH RESERVE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20889, 2 December 1929, Page 12

THE WOODHAUGH RESERVE.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sm, —In the Woodhaugh Reserve are notices rightly warning the public against destroying the plants therein. Yet, Strang to saj* two at least of our city tatheid have spoken in favour of pernutting the erection of a Scouts’ hall within this woodland domain. It is to be fervently hoped that no such deed will be done by the real owners of this retreat viz., the general public—especially so as the proposal involves more or less a n invasion upon what may be regarded as the sacred precincts of a maternity hospital. That aspect of the case alone_ should be quite enough cause for scouting the suggestion once for all. Surely anyone with any sense of right must see the force of this contention. One might suppose that the humblest Dunedin citizens, leaving out of account, for the nonce; the august membership of the present council, would unanimously veto the proposal. Nonb nas a greater esteem than the writer for the Scouts movement, and all that it includes, but the proposal that is in the air would bo anything but a good turn to the occupants of the maternity hospital, in the first place, and to the general public. We have it on good authority that 90 per cent, of the woodland wealth of New Zealand is already a thing of the past. That such should be, in a young land like this, is almost incredible. But if eo, all the more_ cause there is for guarding what remains of our unique flora. Certainly, account must be taken of the statement that the Woodhaugh Reserve js a haunt of undesirable characters, and is thus made unsafe (or women and children. That is a serious consideration, if true. Hoping that a more fit place for the Scouts’ hall may he found, and that, the right thing may be done.—l am, etc., December 1. J. D. B.