The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1920. THE ARMS BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1920. THE ARMS BILL.

In complying with the special request of the head of the Police Department to deal with the growing menace of carrying firearms, the Government has taken action that should meet with general approval. As to the need for this legislation there can be no question, and though it may not accomplish all that could be desired, it will certainly have a restraining influence. Apart from the use of firearms for the purpose of murder, attempted murder, and suicide, there occurred during the past two years seventy cases of injury, and in fifteen of these cases the automatic pistol (or pocket machine-gun) caused the mischief. As a matter of experience it has been proved that very few people can be trusted to handle firearms of any sort, and the introduction of the automatic weapon has greatly added to the danger of accidents, so that the proposal to make it illegal to carry this pistol is quite justified. It is open to question whether it is advisable to permit returned soldiers to retain their automatics. Such weapons are too dangerous to be within reach, and it would seem the better course to eall them all is. The neceasitjr for a license

to carry a revolver is also apparent, and very special reasons should be given in order to obtain a license. Owners of shot guns are to be compelled to register. It would probably be advisable also to impose a heavy penalty for keeping a loaded gun in a dwelling or any building belonging thereto. Legislation is long overdue in relation to the possession, sale, and use of firearms and ammunition. So far as the sale of these weapons is concerned, the same precautions should be observed as in the ease of poison,s, and no sale should be made without the identity of the purchaser being vouched for. It will come as a surprise to the public that the practice of persons parading towns with pistols has become quite common of late, and it is certainly necessary to eliminate such a dangerous proceeding. Firearms have too frequently been regarded as playthings, and it is time to protect the public from a menace which can and should be removed. Drastic penalties should be provided for any breach of the Act, and especially in cases where weapons are carried by criminals.