WINDOW SMASHING.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 11 May 1932, Page 4

WINDOW SMASHING.

Once again tlie hoodlum and criminal elements have made themselves conspicuous by the wanton destruction of property, this time in Wellington. Once, again, too, the authorities have been found wanting in not providing sufficient protection for the property of citizens. In abnormal times, such as at present, and with the Auckland experience before them, no excuse can be offered by the authorities for not having a large force of men available to guard the principal streets of Wellington. It might be expected that a certain type of individual of low mentality would seize an occasion such as an unemployed demonstration or pi ocession to work mischief. This destruction of property must be dealt with in a firm manner, and if the sentences passed on the Auckland rioters are not sufficient to meet the case, then sterner punishment must be inflicted. To smash the shop windows of tradesmen, most of whom are in sympathy with the unemployed, and who give the poor and needy considerable 'help individually, is most contemptible. Somebody m authority should be “put upon the mat” for not having seen that the principal streets of Wellington were adequately protected on Tuesday night against possible criminal and hoodlum violence.