VANDALISM IN CITY

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28532, 11 March 1958, Page 12

VANDALISM IN CITY

Council Offers Rewards

Rewards will be offered by the City Council to those who give information leading to the conviction of' persons committting vandalism. The council agreed to this last evening after reports on vandalism from the reserves and traffic committees. “These mentally - depraved persons who interfere with traffic signs could cause loss of life,” said Cr. H. E. Denton. “A short sharp sentence of imprisonment by a magistrate would be all to the good. I believe we can stop vandalism. If we can get a magistrate to put someone in Paparua for a month or six months, we will be going a long way to getting something done.” Cr. L. G. Amos favoured an extension of the ranger system to combat vandalism. ' “The degree of vandalism going on, though it may be caused by a few persons, is very serious; it is alarming.” said Cr. W. L. F. Utley. There should be an appeal to citizens to protect their own property. There were many persons who would help without a reward, although a reward could be an incentive. “A large amount of vandalism is occurring,” said a report by the Traffic Superintendent (Mr G. P. Kellar). During January 25-26, direction signs in the roundabout at the New Brighton bridge were pulled out and thrown on the riverbank. A compulsory stop sign in Dyers road at the intersection with Linwood avenue was missing. The 30-mile-an-hour speed restriction sign on Evans Pass road, together with the city boundary sign disappeared. No parking signs near the New Brighton pier were removed, replaced and then so badly damaged that they had to be renewed. At Sumner, the same problem had arisen, Mr Kellar said. Recently, all the traffic signs at the intersection of Oxford terrace, Tuam street and Montreal street were severely damaged, and had to be replaced. The reserves department said that in the last 12 months damage to conveniences in Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens had amounted to £l5O.