LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND PAPER.

In regard to waste paper particularly, of which many thousands of tons are required weekly, a strong feeling prevails that unless a more patriotic and zealous spirit is shown by local authorities in preventing the destruction of paper, which is stated to be now occurring, action by the Government will be necessary. “Not only is the country being deprived of tons of valuable paper-making material, but ratepayers are losing financially owing to the lethargic attitude that is being adopted in regard to this subject.” This was the opinion expressed yesterday to a representative of The Daily Telegraph by one who has had an opportunity of forming an opinion on the conditions in different parts of the country and of the amount of waste that is taking place. It was added that, moved by the urgency of the situation, there are authorities in London and the provinces who have appealed successfully to the burgesses to save paper – to see that newspapers are set aside, that letters and envelopes are placed in a sack, and that only greasy paper is burned or destroyed. Where residents have not adopted this process of separation, and the paper has reached the dust-bin, authorities have taken steps to have it reclaimed. Their action has not only been patriotic, but profitable. It was pointed out that in the City of London a sum of £800 net, after paying wages and all working expenses, has been made per month from waste paper brought to the depot in dustbins. Merchants and mills are appealing for materials. It may be difficult to form new habits, but the situation is such that the saving of waste paper must be regarded as a national duty, not only on the part of the individual, but by local, authorities. The whole country needs to be stimulated in this important matter, and it is felt that, so long as public bodies fail to realise their responsibility it is difficult to impress the individual. Reports are now being received in the department which has been specially organised to deal with the problem showing the action of boroughs and urban district councils throughout the country. It is dated that the enterprise exhibited in some localities is highly commendable, but that there are large and important areas where there appears to be a failure to appreciate the urgent needs of the country, and the resources which local authorities have to meet them. A ready market exists for the waste. All that is asked is that local authorities should assist in a patriotic movement, which might be made financially advantageous to those who assist in the work. The position is such that unless this is more generally done it may he found necessary to introduce compulsory powers to save materials that are urgently required in the national interest.