THE LAW-BREAKERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1922, Page 6

THE LAW-BREAKERS.

CRIME IN NEW PLYMOUTH. POLICE WANTED AT PORT. In the Police Department report presented to Parliament, Inspector Murray (New Plymouth district) states: “I took charge of the district on August 11, 1921. Another constable is' required at New Plymouth and also at Stratford, so that a more efficient night, patrol may be provided. A police station is required at Moturoa, so that an effectual supervision of the 'Breakwater- (port of New Plymouth) may be maintained. The Breakwater is about two miles arid a-half from the chief post-office, and a daily patrol is now being provided from this station; but the 'increased population, harbor reconstruction works, and overseas shipping trade warrants the appointmenf of a permanent- constable in the vicinity. The offences return for this district shows that in 1921 a total of 711 offences were reported, as compared with 800 the previous year—a decrease of 89. Of the offences reported, over 95 per cent, were accounted for either by arrest. or summons, leaving 33 undetected. Fifty-three cases were committed for trial, and 26 of these resulted in convictions at the Supreme Court. Five hundred and seventy-six were summarily convicted and 49 discharged. There were increases under the headings of assault, 5; theft (undescribed). 33; theft from dwellings, 5; thefts by servants, 6; failing to pay maintenance, 6; supplying liquor to persons under 21 years of age, 23; forgery, 8. Decreases under the following headings are shown: House or shop breaking, 6; attempted house or shop breaking, 27; mischief, 13; breach of peace, 13; drunkenness, 26; drunk while in charge of horse, 10; unlawfu betting, 23; selling or supplying liquor at unauthorised times, 13; breach of prohibition order, 39. None of thees figures call for special comment, as they are the increases and decreases experienced yf*ar by year. The conduct of the police has been good and the work satisfactorily performed.