WORK OF VANDALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 210, 5 September 1930, Page 9

WORK OF VANDALS.

NATIVE AFFAIRS ROOM,

DAMAGE DONE BY VISITORS.

COMPLAINT IN PARLIAMENT.

(By Telegraph.— Parliamentary Reporter);

WELLINGTON, this day.

The famous Native Affairs Committee room, one of the show places of Parliament House, is suffering at the hands of vandals, according to a statement made in the house to-day by Mr. K. S. Williams (Bay of Plenty). Mr. Williams said that some of the people who visited the room had removed pawa shells from the carvings and damaged other portions of the room by sticking knives in the wood. "Members of Parliament, and the whole of New Zealand, for that matter," added Mr. Williams, value that room and the work done in it. I suggest that the attention of Mr. Speaker be called to the matter, and that instructions be given that irresponsible persons be not admitted unless under the strictest supervision. If visitors cannot go through the room without damaging it they should not be allowed there at all. We must look after that room." (Hear, hear.)

Sir Apirana Ngata, Minister of Native Affiairs, promised to bring the matter under the , notice of Mr. Speaker, who, he felt sure, would issue strict instructions to ensure that no further damage would be done in the room.