WANTON MISCHIEF

Evening Star, Issue 23384, 29 September 1939, Page 2

WANTON MISCHIEF

HARBOUR BEACON DAMAGED ~ REWARD TO BE OFFERED That a person, who would wilfully damage a beacon light by firing a shofc. through it was fit only for incarceration in a mental institution, was the opinion expressed by members of the Harbour Board at its meeting last night, when a report was received from the lightkeeper at Port Chalmers notifying inafc the No. 5 beacon opposite the Kaik at Harrington Point bend had beep so damaged.' The report stated that a. bullet had penetrated the housing of the light and gone through one of th® panes of glass. The chairman (Mr W. Begg) said that a similar complaint had been mad® a few weeks ago, and the matter referred to the police, who had done their best to locate the offender. The difficulty was, however, to gather the evidence necessary for a prosecution. Mr Begg suggested that the co-operation of yachtsmen and others using the harbour should be sought with a view gaining information that would be of value in tracing the offenders, The Chairman stressed the danger that would face vessels moving in the harbour at night if beacon lights were pub out of action, and he moved that tli® Yacht and Motor Boat Association and other bodies who habitually use th® harbour be written to asking their assistance in the matter. Mr R Duncan seconded the motion, and expressed the opinion that th® matter could not be put too strongly. The Chairman pointed out that for offences, such as that . described th® marine authorities, had 'provided, for a. penalty of ’£200,1 or imprisonment for a term, not exceeding 12 months. Mr D F. H. Sharpe said that people of the mentality of those, who had done the damage described should be prohibited the harbour. Could not the board take steps to forbid anyone taking firearms on the harbour? he asked. At any rate, the board should offer » substantial reward for the apprehension, of the offender. Messrs A Campbell, W. .11. Clarke, and R. S. Thompson spoke in the same strain, Mr Campbell remarking that “there was a suitable place just now to those with an- itch for shooting; that was over in Germany."The Chairman: Better still, m Poland. The chairman’s motion was carried, the understanding being that a substantial reward will be offered to anyone iproviding evidence that will lead to the conviction of the offender or offenders.