'Priceless' marble statue vandalised at Teschemakers

The damaged statue of St Dominic. Photo by Sally Rae
The damaged statue of St Dominic. Photo by Sally Rae
A "Priceless" Italian marble statue of St Dominic, in the grounds of Teschemakers, has been vandalised beyond repair and will have to be removed.

The statue was damaged on Monday or Tuesday morning.

The statue's head, left hand and fingers on the right hand were smashed. Police have recovered an instrument they believed was used.

"It is nothing more than wanton vandalism, with no thought for the implications, which go far beyond a broken statue and impact on the hundreds of people who have studied, worked and lived at Teschemakers over the years," Oamaru Detective Sergeant Mike Ryder said yesterday.

The statue was priceless, he said.

The statue and concrete plinth on which it stood, were more that 2m in height.

Dominican sister Mary Horn said the vandalism was "just shocking".

It was discovered by a neighbour, who found the head on a gate post.

The statue, under trees opposite the main building at the former Catholic boarding school, was installed new in 1939.

St Dominic was the founder of the Dominican Order.

"Everybody loves it. It's a very beautiful piece of art. It's very special to the ex-pupils, to the sisters," Sr Horn said.

The statue would have to be removed, she said.

Whoever was responsible had no respect for beauty, art, tradition or history.

Det Sgt Ryder urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police. He also wanted to hear from, or information about the occupants of a light-coloured van which was believed to have been in the area.

It was clear those present when the statue was damaged were drinking and might now be prepared to accept responsibility.

In that case, they should contact him, he said.

 

 

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