Two Clubbies Punished for Vandalism

The Administrative Board took disciplinary action against two members of the Delphic Club yesterday for stealing and mutilating city parking meters.

While University officials would not reveal the extent of the punishment, Club President Kinnaird Howland '67 said last night that "the best has been made of a bad situation."

Cambridge police are now investigating the Delphic Club following last week's arrest of the two members -- one a club officer -- causing over $500 damage to six parking meters on Linden St. Police officers reportedly found four more meters inside the club while investigating a noisy party.

City police dropped charges after the students agreed to pay for damage to the meters. They then released the students to University authorities.

City officials believe that stealing meters is part of initiation procedures for one or more Harvard final clubs.

Plenty of Damage

William M. McLaughlin, Cambridge Parking Meter Coordinator, said yesterday that "close to $2000 in damage has occurred in the Linden and Plympton St. areas in the past four years."

"Somebody has been out to deliberately destroy the meters," McLaughlin said. "Many have been smashed beyond repair or stripped of money and parts -- last week one was sawed off at the pavement."

McLaughlin speculated that the meters were damaged by students desiring free parking. Little money has been collected from meters on the two streets in the past ten years.

Howland said that his club had already taken action aainst the arrested members. "This is a matter which does not concern the public," he added. "It is a matter which concerns only Delphic." He would not say whether or not the members were removed from the Club.

No Money?

"We think the action taken was severe enough," Howland said. "We are not going to officially help pay for the damages."

Cambridge Police Chief Daniel J. Brennan said yesterday that the matter is under extensive investigation by his department. "That's all it would be wise for me to say at this time," Brennan added.

City councillor Alfred E. Vellucci said Monday that he would "demand to know exactly what's going on" at his next meeting with Brennan.

McLaughlin said that Cambridge is spending $190,000 for 3000 new "vandal-resistant" parking meters. About 1800 of the meters have been installed so far.