SWASTIKA ON SHOP

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29107, 20 January 1960, Page 16

SWASTIKA ON SHOP

Youth Convicted At Invercargill

(New Zealand Press Association) INVERCARGILL, Jan. 19.

“An act of stupidity” was how Mr G. A. Nicholls, S.M., today described a 20-year-old youth’s actions in drawing a swastika on an Invercargill shop window on Sunday evening. His remarks were directed at a workman, Brian Moody, who appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on two charges—one of drawing on a shop window, and the second of failing to comply with the terms of his probation. Moody pleaded guilty to each charge. The Magistrate extended Moody’s two years’ probation term for six months on the charge of failing to comply with the terms of his probation. He was convicted and discharged for writing on the shop window. A constable, off duty on Sunday evening, had seen a group of youths standing outside a milk bar in Tay street, said Sergeant C. Graham.

Moody, one of the group, was seen writing something in lipstick on an adjoining shop window. The constable investigated and found the swastika insignia. There was nothing sinister In the drawing of the swastika, said Mr J. H. B. Scholefield who appeared for Moody. His client was too young to realise just what the Nazi emblem meant. The Magistrate told accused he seemed intent on attracting attention. If he continued to wear the clothes in which he appeared in court—a shining silverthreaded sports coat and stovepipe trousers —he would be starting life under a handicap. People would consider him peculiar.