LITTLE BOYS AND PEA-RIFLES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 92, 11 January 1918, Page 4

LITTLE BOYS AND PEA-RIFLES

Tho air-gun and t'ae pea-rifle have an enduring fascination for little boys, and in these war times this feeling is 'uo doubt emphasised. At any rate the police have received some complaints with respect to tho careless use of these weapons. Tho result was seen in. the Juvenile Court yesterday morning, when six lads appeared before Mr. S. E. M'Carthy, S.M., one lot of three being charged with firing air-rifles. The boya were having their amusement in a backyard, when another lad peeped through tho palings and was promptly shot at. Two of the boys had no mother, and the father not being prosent tho caso was adjourned for a week. The other lad was fined 10s. Another lot of three lads were firing pea-rifles indiscriminately near a road, and a, man walking on the roadway vai. aisrnv ed at-bullets whizzing past his head. Hβ complained to the police, and the boys were arrested. A fine of 10s. each was imposed, and the pca-riflo was ordered to be confiscated. It is doubtful whether these fines have any deterrent effect. There is no alternative, and if tho parents do not pay the fines the Court can do nothing. Confiscation of the weapons scorns to bn tho heaviest punishment that can be inflicted.