The Chrønicle. LEVIN. SATURDAY, JAN. 12. 1918.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 12 January 1918, Page 2

The Chrønicle. LEVIN. SATURDAY, JAN. 12. 1918.

Tlie law which prohibits the use of pea-rifles by boys seems to have

fallen Into contempt in many parts of the Dominion and the ' lioliday season lias brought forth a whole crop of complaints about the recklessness of many youths in the handling of these weapons. At least one regrettable fatality occurred that was traceable to a pea-rifle. Several prosecutions have been instituted a.nd in Wellington fines have been inflicted and the rifles have been confiscated. In the country districts the menace is even more real than in the towns. The "Chronicle" has I received no less than three com-

plaints this week, a fatality being narrowly escaped in each case. Two of these incidents relate to the Hokio beach where youthful and irresponsible marksmen appear to have about reached the limit of careless indifference to the public safety. One parent voices a warning in our columns to-day. A resident of Queenswood road also

had a ''■nerve-testing experience while walking with a friend over his property. They were startled by the whizz of a bullet close above tlieir heads, the missile lodging* in n post near-by. It is quite time some of these incidents were brought under the notice of the police. The trouble is that the pea-rifle has come, to be regarded as a toy, whereas it is a weapon quite as dangerous to life, within its range, as the regulation service rifle.