WARNING TO CAMPERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25394, 27 November 1943, Page 4

WARNING TO CAMPERS

CARELESS LIGHTING OF FIRES DISREGARD OF PROPERTY “ These proceedings will serve as a warning to picnickers and campers,” commented Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., in the City Police Court yesterday, when dealing with a charge against Kenneth Charles Carter of wilfully setting fire to a gorse bush. “It seems that there are many people who should not be allowed to go camping,” the magistrate said. “ There is an astonishing number of people who are careless regarding fires when out camping or picnicking, and, although the circumstances of this case do not warrant a conviction, the proceedings should be regarded as a warning.” Detective Sergeant Le Sueur said that Carter, who was aged 20 and was working in Dunedin, had spent the week-end with his people at Moeraki. While out shooting, he had set fire to a gorse bush to attract the attention of other sportsmen whom he heard shooting some distance off. He waited until he thought the fire was out, and advised the people he met. of what he had done and why he had done it. Later, the fire had apparently restarted, with the result that damage to the extent of £4O had been done to a fence. Mr C. J. L. White said he was appearing at tiie request of (he accused’s employers. There was no definite proof that the fire lit by the accused had caused the damage to the fence, although this was very likely. The interested parties, including the accused’s father, had .come to a. agreement for the repair of the damage. Mr White referred to the accused's good record and the innocent purpose for which he had lit the fire. The charge was dismissed, th? magistrate remarking that there was no evidence of wilful intention to create damage.