VANDALS CUT DOWN PINE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28774, 20 December 1958, Page 11

VANDALS CUT DOWN PINE

Tree A Memorial To Soldier “The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, December 19. A young Norfolk pine planted at Devonport in memory of a soldier who died in the Second World War was cut down one morning this week and taken away. It is presumed it will be used as a Christmas tree. The soldier’s name, on a brass tablet, was at the base of the tree, which was one of several forming an avenue in a memorial park on both sides of Lake road. Each tree has at its base a tablet bearing the name of a soldier.

The Mayor of Devonport (Mr C. F. Woodall) made the following statement: ‘‘The mentality of an individual who would cut down a tree in a memorial park presumably for use as a Christmas tree is beyond my comprehension.

“My message to this person is this: ‘You are despicable. You have committed an act of sacrilege and you are to be pitied. “ ‘lf the tree is to be used as a Christmas tree and for the distribution of presents, may your own conscience be your -constant accuser.’ ”

The theft of the tree was dis-' covered by the borough foreman (Mr F. Christian) a former president of the Devonport Returned Services’ Association.

The trees, now six years old. were planted three years ago and are in a .flourishing condition. The borough engineer (Mr A. T. Griffiths) said such trees were difficult to get and the symmetry and uniformity of the avenue would be destroyed. A new tree would lag behind in growth.