Senseless Vandalism

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

The other evening a most pleasant lady phoned me spending a full five minutes apologizing for calling. I waited patiently, having lots of time to prepare my answer for the anticipated request for funding for whatever project it was she had difficulty approaching.

Eventually, she explained that some time ago she and her husband with others had donated the gazebo which graces the Battleford river walk. It has been vandalized she bemoaned, its lights ripped out and the electrical controller stolen. She asked if I would consider commenting on vandalism in one of my articles - if not, she would write anonymously to this newspaper. I explained that a name and address would have to be provided.

As a simple age-relieving activity, I go on short walks close to where I live and at the turning extremity a park bench would be greatly appreciated for myself and others. I had been considering donating one to the city. How, I wondered, could one prevent it from being vandalized or stolen as it would be very much exposed at the start of a drag strip and fast-