VANDALISM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 16 December 1936, Page 11

VANDALISM

PREVALENCE IN NEW ZEALAND COLLEGE PRINCIPAL’S COMMENT (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. The prevalence of vandalism in New Zealand was commented on by Mr J. R. Sutcliffe, principal of Scots College, at the prize giving ceremony. Mr Sutcliffe said that wherever there was a New Zealand crowd vandalism would be found. “If this is not so,” he said, “why are 'the stalactites in the Waitomo Caves wire netted? Why does every town display the notice, ’Citizens, protect your own property?’ ” Wellington headmasters had received letters from the National Art Gallery informing them that on account of the damage to the statuary and the general unruliness in the conduct of children, they were refused admission unless accompanied by an adult. A new passenger ship was recently thrown open to the public, and movable ornaments and bedding were stolen, and pieces cut from the curtains. The surf clubs had to guard their life lines. The Lyall Bay Club’s lines had been cut and stolen four times in the last three months. When Clark landed at Christchurch, he compared the behaviour of the natives at places en route who stood in a ring round his machine, but never touched anything, with that of the civilised crowd at Wigram, who did considerable damage to his machine after his arrival.

Mr Sutcliffe questioned whether this sort of vandalism were confined only to people who had never passed proficiency or taken a university degree. It was the tone of the school that was more important than examination passing—the attitude of the pupils towards decent living, truth, honesty, unselfishness, and thoughtfulness for others. Less stress should be placed on education, of self, and material advancement, and more time devoted to inculcating the right attitude towards those around us.