So much litter in park

WHILE visiting my son on Hongkong Island, I was taken hiking on a portion of the MacLehose Trail in Sai Kung Country Park, in the New Territories.

My pleasure in this unique and beautiful scenery was significantly marred by disgusting amounts of litter and uncollected rubbish.

Wilderness ethics such as ''Carry In-Carry Out'' appear to be unknown in your territory.

I was puzzled to learn there is no Hongkong public-education conservation society equivalent to our Sierra Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, and so forth.

In the States these organisations have raised considerably the awareness of those using the outdoors, that they must take some responsibility for its maintenance.

Serious American hikers pride themselves in leaving no trace of their passing. Worse, in my view, is that, although rubbish bins are provided along the MacLehose, the litter left in them is apparently never carted away. My companions told me the Government is responsible for this.

I find its neglect appalling. With all due respect I urge the Government to undertake a serious clean-up of this unique recreational resource and to install a policy to keep it clean.

MARTY CARLOCK Weston Massachusetts, US