Vandalism

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28160, 26 December 1956, Page 6

Vandalism

Vandalism seems, regrettably, to be on the increase. The latest instance reported is the destruction of hundreds of nesting terns on the Waitangi spit, south of the Tutaekuri river mouth, near Napier. But, because they occur in remote localities, or go undected for some time, many similar acts of wanton destruction or cruelty are never brought to public notice. Cars and motor-cycles have opened the countryside to townsfolk. In their holiday ramblings, they should remember—but too often do not—that leisure does not license them to despoil beauty spots or to disregard the property rights of others. Too frequently farmers have cause to complain of gates being left unshut, of stock molested, and of ainor but annoying damage by picnic parties. Destruction of protected wild life and native flora is especially reprehensible, for these are the heritage of all the people. Vandalism in the cities takes many forms. Sometimes onlookers condone it

through apathy or unwillingness to have the offenders disciplined. Tolerance of this kind, however, is misguided. It is over-optimistic to hope that, by public vigilance, vandalism can be eradicated; but it will certainly be kept to a minimum if people clearly show their disapproval of hooliganism and report promptly to the authorities any instances that come to their notice.