YOUTHFUL IRRESPONSIBLES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27541, 8 November 1950, Page 8

YOUTHFUL IRRESPONSIBLES

Sir,—Since I -wrote regarding the behaviour of youngsters at local picture theatres, the episode controlled by students at Opoho has taken place, the council has held Its final meeting, the public has not been informed what procedure has been taken against these irresponsibles in damaging public property. Irrespective of the fact that payment was offered, has any organisation the right wilfully to damage tram cars? If my John was allowed to break light globes, and I was prepared to pay for damage, there would be no doubt that ithe business of wilful damage would soon be out of control. I was blaming the youngsters for misbehaviour, but it appears as if they are being shown examples by University students, who are allowed by the city fathers to do as they like. There seems little hope of controlling the juveniles. Perhaps the Citizens’ nominees will enlighten the public during the campaign as to what has been done in the matter of the Opoho incident. Rumour has stated that the damage was assessed at £IBO. Is it to be another example of the Leith street house sale, of money being no object?—l am. etc.. Music Lover. [“The damage caused by an irresponsible group, which apparently comprised some members of the public and some students, amounted to £27 18s Bd, not £180," said the chairman of the Transport Committee of the City Council, Cr E. J. Anderson, to whom this letter was referred. “ The committee is able to deal with a matter of this size and nature without any importation of exaggerated irrelevancies or anonymity. Neither has the committee, because of this isolated incident, lost its sense of proportion in assessing the general, good conduct of both the citizens of Dunedin and the students of the University of Otago.”—Ed. ODT.]