VANDALISM IN WAIROA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20051, 25 September 1939, Page 5

VANDALISM IN WAIROA

PROPERTY DAMAGED COUNCI ij CONCERNED (Special to the Herald.) WAIROA, this day. Further reference to acts of vandalism in the borough was made at the monthly meeting of the Wairoa Borough Council, the Mayor, Mr. 11. L. Harker, stating that it was _ a shame the way hoodlums and children were damaging public property.

The reports stated that the works committee nad confirmed the action of the Mayor in instructing that letters be sent to the sergeant, of police and to the night watchman requesting that the efforts to obtain the conviction of those people who damaged the public conveniences be redoubled and that a reward of .£5 be offered.

The Mayor quoted several cases of vandalism that had been reported to him recently. On one occasion it had been reported that all the plants in one bed in Coronation Square hod been pulled out and strewn oyer the path, while on another occasion Cr. J. O. Scott had caught a boy twisting an ornamental wire fence with a bar. The Mayor added that on a recent Sunday a country resident had visited his home to report to him what was going on in Coronation Square, wheie some children were playing football and causing damage. It also had been reported to him by a business man that he had seen a youngster standing on the side of the paddling pool breaking bottles into it. “It is only by making an example of one or two that we can hope to put a stop to it,” stated the Mayoi. “It is time some definite steps were taken.” , ~ In his opinion the council should Communicate with the schools again with the object of pointing out to the children the seriousness of acts of this nature.

Cr. M J Gemmell was of the opinion that if the school teachers took the subject up it might have a desnable effect. A motion by the Mayor that the council communicate with the schools was seconded by Cr. W. H. Brady and carried.