ACTS OF VANDALISM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 286, 3 December 1930, Page 10

ACTS OF VANDALISM.

CROPS AND ANIMALS SUFFER. VILLAGE OF PAMPARAUMU. WOMENFOLK TERRIFIED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Strange happenings are reported from the village of Paraparauniu, about 30 miles north of Wellington. It is stated that farmers in the vicinity have had deliberate and malicious vandalism practised . upon them, and many of the womenfolk are terrified to . be . left alone at night. The last two visitations occurred about three weeks ago. Mr. W. Mowbray, who lives at Otaihanga, about a mile north of Paraparauniu, had several cans of cream taken from his dairy one night and emptied into an adjacent stream, while Mr. P. Beere, who lives quite close to the township, had a large garden of tomatoes and strawberries practically ruined. The strawberry pjants were torn up by the roots, while about 500 of his 1000 tomato plants were cut with a knife close to the roots.

For about two years such acts have been committed in the district, but at irregular intervals. The aid of the police was sought about six weeks ago, and Senior-Detective Quirke, of Palmerston .North, spent some time endeavouring -to solve the mystery. It is reported that he was lying in wait in some bushes one evening when someone suddenly flashed an electric torch in his eyes. He gave chase, but could not catch anyone Wanton acts of which farmers' liave been recent victims include the cutting of sheep's throats, a prize ram beiu<r one victim. Haystacks have been set alight fences have been cut, and quite recently several fowls were strung up on a tree alive with their heads hanging downward. In one case several sticks of gelignite were found, under a house ' The residents are at a complete less to account for the destructive acts No particular person is victimised, but it seems significant that every act haa been

committed on the eastern side of the railway line. "I consider that the njan av!k> ia responsible for. these happenings must have several trained dogs which could

warn him of the approach of .anyone*, said a well-known resident when "discussing the matter. "The acts are : 'so deliberate and systematic, and there".'!* never any trace of the responsible';jfc son. ■ : : ; ■;?'V, "The trouble is that we never. knbtf when we may expect this madman, fo.r he .is nothing else. Soniethnes there is a break of several months between the acts. Many of the women are in a stjfte of fear when their husbands are away from home, and I can assure you tnafc it will be a great relief when we £aich the man." .