VANDALISM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 117, 31 January 1940, Page 5

VANDALISM

DAMAGE DONE AT AWAKERI HOT SPRINGS LOCK ON GATE SMASHED For some time past instances of vandalism have occurred at Awakeri Hot Spri'ngs. The latest act is the smashing of the lock on the big double gate erected just before Christmas and it is suggested the whole trouble is that motorists want to drive right up to the bathing pool, instead of leaving their cars outside and walking. Previously a fence was erected across .the roadway at the entrance but th'ks was continually being pulled down and it was this that made necessary the erection of the double gate. A strong padlock and chain was added but almost immediately the lock was picked. That, apparently. was not enough, lor it was dis covered that on the night of the 23rd of this month someone had completely smashed the lock, with either a hammer or a large stone. The Assistant-Engineer of the Wha katane County Council has arranged with the local employee at Awakeri to make- constant visits to the. Springs in an effort to delect the responsible persons, and any information will then be l!ovwarde<l to the police with a view to prosecution. It is thought that if a by-law were passed making it- an offence to take cars into the reserve, tnts- would act, as a deterrent., and the nuisance and inconvenience caused -by acts of vandalism would end.