The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 338, 13 July 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, JULY 13, 1878.

Carlyee is fairly well off for religions bodies and churches, the Episcopalians, Wcsleyans, and Catholics, each having edifices of their own, while Presbyterian services are held on alternate Sundays in

the Town Mall, An inspection of the three hotels, will show that there is no need for complaint in the matter of accommodationfor travellers. Wo, however, want a lock-up. Church, publichouse, lock-up. The Court House is a fairly presentable and suitable building, the Post Office serves well enough while the chief officer remains in singleblessedness, the Comity Council Buildings arc commodious, and now that the Harbor Board has been placed in possession of the R.M. Reserve, that body has no cause for complaint. The school house is one of the best within the County. There are no hospital buildings, and the cottages used for that' purpose are well known to be a disgrace to the Government, and a standing reproach to the County. The Town Hall is a creditable example of the enterprise of the shareholders. A now building for a Literary Institute is being erected. We want a lock-np. It is not long since that a “drunk” wrenched the iron grating off the door of a sort of wood-shed at the back of the Court House, which serves as a lock-up, squeezed himself through the hole, and went down to one of the hotels for a liquor. The lock-up :s simply useless as regards the safe-keeping of prisoners. It is, as well, inconveniently situated. It ivonld make a .good wood-shed. In case of a prisoner being locked up, it is necessary for one ot the force to pace within sight of the doorway. If absent only for a few moments, as on the occasion of the drunk clearing out, the cell is likely to become vacant. It only requires the grating to be wrenched off, a very easy task, and there is nothing to prevent a prisoner going whither he wills. The Police Force, when fully mustered for inspection parade, counts two—a sergeant and one full private. On this imposing force devolves the whole of the police business of Carlyle—a town now rising to importance—and including the district lying between Kakaramoa to beyond Whennakura. In case of drowning or accidental death the police have to take charge, summon jurymen, and do all business pertaining thereto. An arrest having to bo made, the police mast do it, no matter to what part of their nude district they may have to travel. Summonses have to be served, records kept, returns famished, and other “ extra” duties performed. Wandering cattle are supposed to be run in by the police, and watchful care taken at night over the property and lives of the townsfolk. If a prisoner is committed to Wanganui or Taranaki gaol, or a lunatic requires to be taken to Wellington, one of the force

must bo detached for this special business, and the Sergeant left in sole charge —police and all other duties then devolving on him alone. Unfortunately there is no accommodation for the Sergeant, either lor office or dwelling in the

vicinity of the Court House or shod which serves for a lock-up. The Police office is in one of the rooms of the County Council buildings, the Sergeant’s dwelling is away in one of the bye-streets, the lock-up is at back of the Court House, If, as is the case in many small places, the constable’s dwelling, police office, and lock-up were under the one roof, or closely adjoining, and the lock-up securely fenced in, it would be as good ns an extra policeman for the town. The ordinary routine work of the department could at all times be proceeding without the officer-in-chargo having to leave the premises. In case of a prisoner being locked-np escape would be ont of the question, as a res trainer in the shape of the Sergeant or constable would at all times be within sight or ear-shot. A prisoner is now confined in the apology for a lock-up, who has previously shown himself very ready to use dangerous instruments, and who is now awaiting trial on a charge of wounding (it may prove mortally) an acquaintance. Until the prisoner is discharged or removed, either the Sergeant or constable will have, by night and day, to be constantly on the watch to prevent escape. The temptation to escape is groat. There is little doubt but such a dangerous character would have the will to make the attempt if watchfulness was but slightly relaxed. As a matter of safety to the township wc consider either that the police force should be increased or convenient and suitable buildings—combining dwelling, police office, and lock-up—erected. Under present circumstances it is quite impossible that the police business, and other extra work which ncccssarilly falls to them, can be properly attended to. Give Carlyle a lock-up or increase the police.