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Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3063, 21 April 1881, Page 2

For wilfully breaking a pane of glass a boy named Bridgere was . sentenced by the Resident Magistrate of Gisborne to pay a fine of £5, or in default two months' imprisonment, to pay for the damage done, and the costs of the prosecution. The boy's guardian was also required to enter into sureties in the sum of £10 for the good behaviour of the lad for the term of six months. It came out in evidence that Bridgers in company with others, picked up a stone, and threw it at a house known as the Old Brewery. The stone smashed a pane of glass, broke a small box in the room, and nearly wounded the wife of the tenant. The evidence called by the police all went to show that the stone was thrown by the boy Bridgers ; further, that it is usual for a number of boys to congregate together at night, who perpetrate the offences which come under the modern denomination of " larrikinism." These are, throwing stones, without any regard as to how property or persons may be injured ; the breaking down of fences, the stealing of fruit and flowers, the using of obscene language to females, the writing of indecent words on shop doors and shutters, and other like offences. The defendant formed one of the mob of youthful larrikins who are a nuisance and a danger to the respectable and orderloving portion of the community. Grisborne is not the only place where youthful larrikins are a nuisance and a danger to the community. The example made by the Gisborne magistrate of the boy Bridgers, it is to be hoped, will act as a warning not only to mischievous lads but also to their parents and guardians. Parents should be made to feel that they are responsible for the conduct of their children, and in cases of conviction be held liable in sureties for their future good behaviour.