"A MONSTROUS SHAME."

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 47, 1 April 1914, Page 9

"A MONSTROUS SHAME."

| RICCARTON BUSH DAMAGED. ; WARNING FROM THE MAYOR. /There are some people who have such little appreciation of public spirit and of the splendid gift of the Riccarton Bush, which the Deans family is making to the city, that they have wantonly damaged some of the bush by breaking branches and cutting initials on the trunks of trees in the Bush. \ Speaking to a SUN representative, the Mayor of Christehurch (Mi* H. Holland) said: "I very mueh regret to have to report that some 25 or 30 persons visited the Riccarton Bush on Sunday last and damaged several trees and other plants. I would like to inform the public that the propefty is still private property, and anyone going there will be regarded as trespassers, and will render themselves liable to prosecution for trespassing unless they have, permission from the Deans family or from the Town Clerk. I hope the public will'take this as a kindly warning, . because I am determined to pro-

tect the Bush at all costs. It lias been ; cared for and protected by the Dfean.s ; family for the last 50 years, and it j seems a monstrous shame , that before j the Board could be legally Set up people [ should regard the Bush as public prop- J erty, and, even when so regarding it, } have such little concern for the mag-1 nificent gift of the generous donors, to) say nothing of the splendid Bush it-1 self.'' The Mayor is taking steps to have the Bush properly .protected.