VANDALISM AND UNTIDINESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25384, 16 November 1943, Page 6

VANDALISM AND UNTIDINESS

Sir,—l am a visitor to your city and while walking in the Queen’s Gardens yesterday I noticed another act of vandalism to add to the number of those already reported. A tree opposite the bus depot has a big patch of bark ripped off it and the sap surface has been badly damaged with a tool or weapon of some kind. The strength required to do the damage shows it was not the work of a child. It is a pity these larrikins cannot be apprehended, and given the punishment they deserve. Another thing I notice is that, while bins are provided for rubbish at almost every street corner, people are not tidy in their habits and do not assist to keep the streets tidy. I think this is due to a lack of training in the home. I noticed on Friday evening that the street sweeper was out cleaning and sweeping the gutters, and he made a good job of it, but in a very short time I saw numbers of both children and adults throw down paper and cartons and other rubbish. I think school teachers could help by instructing the children to be tidy, and not to damage trees and shrubs and plants. I also noticed broken beer bottles lying on the plots in the Arcade—an unpleasant site in your lovely city.—l am, etc Observant.