June 2010 Accidental damage to the Janelle Paton Memorial seat & tree

Mid June we were upset to find out that persons unknown had had a bonfire at Cockpit (which incidentally is not permitted in Reserves) and that this fire had obviously spread and had scorched and partially burnt the memorial seat of Janelle Patons put there in her honour and also destroyed the pallet box and whitewood tree that was also planted in her honour. I sent an enraged letter to the Norfolk Island Police and the Conservator. Coincidentally; the Police were about to go on radio for their regular weekly chat and so mentioned the incident and how disappointed we all were and asked for information from the public.

To his credit a young man came forward who had been at the bonfire. He told us that he had left before the bonfire was out and thought that all the others had as well. The bonfire unattended had spread and got to the seat and tree. He was horrified that the damage had occured and wanted to right the damage. Despite ribbing from his mates; he did turn up at the next meeting and assisted in constructing a new pallet protection box and planting a new whitewood tree. We are proud of him for doing so.  The seat was not badly damaged but was taken away by Cascade Joinery and repaired at no cost. It has been reinstated at the site. Thankyou to these people for righting this accidental damage.