“SHEER VANDALISM”

Evening Star, Issue 23438, 1 December 1939, Page 13

“SHEER VANDALISM”

DAMAGE TD HARBOUR LIFEBUOYS “ This is sheer vandalism and is a matter which is continually cropping up,” said the chairman (Mr W. Begg) at last night’s meeting of the Harbour Board, when a clause in the report of the engineer (Mr J. M‘G. Wilkie) came up for consideration. This clause referred to lifebuoys erected in the eastern channel, and paid: “ The boxes containing lifebuoys on the eastern channel jetties were inspected and repaired. The box and buov at Portobcllo wharf was in good order. All others had been interfered with and damaged or defaced. The safe tv glasses, which have to bo broken before the boxes can be opened, were found to bo broken, doors damaged or broken off altogether, and the lifeline at Company Bay deliberately cut and removed from the buoy.” “ Those responsible,” said the Chairman, “ are those same bodies which are continually asking us to assist them in running their aquatic displays. At the least they should exercise care.” The board would have the knowledge that if an accident occurred, said Mr D. F. H. Sharpe, it had done its part to prevent such an accident. It was up to those who were responsible to take more care and to do their utmost to protect the appliances. Other members spoke in similar vein, ami on a suggestmn nut forward hv Mr .1. W. Monro. M.l’.. it wa< decided to refer the matter to the police.