GERMAN VANDALS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7765, 24 July 1903, Page 2

GERMAN VANDALS.

SCANDALOUS OUTRAGE -IN

THE ACROPOLIS.

Great indignation has beon created in Athens by the discovery that a party of Germans who visited the Acropolis wantonly chipped off soni-e pieces of marble from the beautiful Erechtheum, and attempted to carry off the fragments. As it was early morning no guardians were about, and the visitors were enabled to perpetrate this abominable act of vandalism undisturbed. They were, "however, caught when trying to make their way out with their ill-got-ten trophies, «but they refused to give them up, and were permitted to go on leaving their cards. „•

It is believed that this regrettable incident will form the subject of diplomatic representations to Germany, and possibly a claim for damages.

The Erechtheum consisted of several distinct shrines ; one of Athena Polias, one of Erechtheus and Poseidon, one of Hephaestus, and' one of Pandrosus. The shrine of Athena Polias was the most sacred in Athens. It held the ancient image which was said to have fallen from heaven. One of the six female figures in the Southern or Caryatid Porch is only a terra-cotta cast of the original, which was removed by Lord Elgin's agent, and is now in the British Museum. The Northern Porch is one of the most delicate masterpieces of Greek architecture.

About the same time the statue of the Elector Joachim Friedrich* in the Siegesalle of Berlin, was damaged by a* student, who chipped off a piece of marble." The student was caught in* the act, and taken to the pidice station, where he was detained. He belongs to the Technical High School at Charlot'tenburg. . .