26 APRIL 1930, Page 15

a a' '" 'a a THE MOTOR VANDAL.

It is a rather melancholy fact that the damaged trees and the gaps in the trees are due in many cases, not to the neglect that Mi. Guy Dawber deplores, but to aimless vandalism. Examples of such inexplicable 'acts grow numerous. The

destruetiOn roadside' trees" and even the memorial plaques attached to Them is perhaps the worst example. Though little has been heard Of it farmers haVe suffered severely. In one instance a number of feneing posts were pulled up—" purely for wantonnesS." In another, rabbit netting was torn down. One Warivickshire 'farmer estimates his loSses froth motoring litirpiei at £100: his hedges are brokeri and his Stock 'chased,' just for' a pastime. In my own parish a' motorist 'picnicking on the common set the ling and gorse on fire, and then went to his car to fetch a camera that he Might ptit his proud crime on record. The fire Ultimately consumed a length of hedge4ow and a fine holly tree. Arkin 'is 'not too strong a charge for such behavionr. In many country places the Easter holiday is anticipated with terror. Cars' will park themselves and leave their picnic debris even in the middle of the village cricket pitch !