FIRES IN BOROUGH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25668, 17 October 1944, Page 4

FIRES IN BOROUGH

MANY STARTED BY BOYS COMPLAINT AT PORT CHALMERS Reference to the large number of minor fires started by boys in the borough was made at the monthly meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council last night, and after a discussion it was decided that the matter be brought to the notice of the police. On the suggestion of Cr A. L. S. Cassie, it was also decided that the Mayor (Mr H. S. Watson), or some other responsible person, should visit each of the youth organisations in the town to give a talk on civic responsibility. The matter was raised by the Mayor, who said that some boys seemed to be having a competition to see who could make the best blaze. Some bold lad had even set the schoolmaster’s hedge on fire. He said he did not know what the council could do, but he felt that parents should take the matter up. Cr W. D. Campbell said that he had seen a party of five boys light about 30 fires. On Sunday they had lit a fire at the tip, which was still burning. He felt it was time the police took the matter up if the parents could not control these boys. Some 40 or 50 trees had been planted along, the terrace, he added, but all except one had been pulled out. “If such things are tolerated, I do not know what the town is coming to,” he declared. After the motion that the matter be brought to the notice of the police had been carried, Cr Cassie commented that “ boys will be boys.” He added that a good talk should have a beneficial effect on them.