“A CONTEMPTIBLE THING.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 201, 9 August 1927, Page 7

“A CONTEMPTIBLE THING.”

PICKING TLOWERS EROM GRAVES. NAPIER COUNCILLORS DISCUSS PUNISHMENT. Reporting having considered the report of the head gardener regarding three girls, aged about 11 years, having been detected taking flowers from graves in the Napier Cemetery, the reserves committee recommended to Napier Borough Council last evening that proceedings be taken against the offenders for breach of the borough by-laws. It was pointed out that the committee had been reluctant to prosecute the children but felt that the time had arrived when some definite stand should be made. Cr H. G. Harman was of the opinion that it was too drastic a step to take, and as an alternative suggested that the children and their parents be brought before the council. ‘‘Suppose we appoint someone to administer the rebuke?” remarked the chairman.

Cr P. F. Higgins also thought the recommendation too severe, and moved that the children be made to appear before His Worship the Mayor and be admonished.

“What about having the lady probation officer do iti” asked the Mayor. She knows more about it than 1 do.”

A suggestion that Cr. W. G. Martin being an ex-school teacher would be best fitted for the situation was made by Cr. J. C. Bryant, but this was turned down.

“One would have thought that this matter would have been taken <eriously, ” commented Cr J. St. J. Hindmarsh. “A public warning is absolutely necessary.” The motion was seconded by Cr C. H. Wilkie with the proviso that the lady probation officer be present and that the fact be made public. “For a long time you have been seeking to find means of putting an end to this business and now you have concrete evidence to go on yet the council has not the moral eourage to see the thing through, ’ ’ stated Cr W. G. Martin. “There is no other place in New Zealand where there is this petty thieving in practice as it is in Napier.” He Added that he thought the headmasters of the varous schools should refer to the matter not just once a year but once a month nt least “We should inculcate in our children a respect for other people’s property and for our parks” he stated earnestly, “and it is up to this council to take a firm stand as regards this matter. It is not so much the punishment to the little girls that matters, but it will serve as an example and show people that they cannot treat the thing lightly.” ‘ ‘ L agree entirely with Cr Martin. It is a very serious thing,” supplemented Cr C. J. Bryant, who was of the opinion that there was an older person “coming up” for a similar offence.

“I can think of nothing more contemptible that to cut blooms planted by people on the tombs of their friends and relatives,” stated Cr. Bryant.

The motion was carried, the Mayor assuring the council that he would look as “fierce as he could.”