I was most displeased by the photograph in the South China Morning Post, on September 25, which showed the gaudy handover animals strewn about the lawn of the Cenotaph. Surely the Urban Services Department (USD) must realise that the Cenotaph, despite being shunned by the present Government, is not a colonial relic to be treated with contempt, but a dignified memorial to the men and women of all races who gave their lives in defence of freedom. It should also be pointed out that signs erected at the Cenotaph clearly state that the laws of Hong Kong prohibit any trespass upon the site. As it seems unlikely that the animals in question strayed onto the lawn themselves, one can only conclude that employees of the USD have been guilty of such trespass. I would suggest to the USD that its action was in extremely poor taste and showed great disrespect to the dead. As for the question of the trespass, may I ask, in the time-honoured phrase, that 'the relevant government department take appropriate action'? PETER JOHNSON Lantau
