THE ARMS ACT.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1922, Page 3

THE ARMS ACT.

(To the Editor)

Sir At the last Magistrate’s Court im esleeine I lady of Ritnu was convicted n * having an unregistered ‘gun’ in her possession, but the worthy S-M- would not mulct her in costs. This lady sent five sons to the war, three of whom paid the supreme price, and two others were s°nt home as unfit for further service on account of wounds.

In the face of these facts, which are well known to the community, does it not strike a Britisher that the police are rather straining tbe position.

The lady in question received the gun front otto of her dead soldier sons as a gift and it is a great shame that she should have been prosecuted, after applying to register tbe gun. Wo know that, “a policeman’s life is nop a happy one.” but he could make it a good deal easier by using a little discretion. In fact, to wind up this letter. I will say that it is most regrettable that the Himu lady was ever prosecuted.—Yours etc., .

C. B. |The Police have no option in the matter. It is made mandatory Tty the Act and its regulations that a prosecution must be made against all persons who have unregistered arms and this the writer surely knows perfectly well. As a matter of fact the .Magistrate in ibis particular ease recognised tbe special features thereof by not inflicting any penalty or costs. Eo. (1. |