LARRIKINISM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 920, 21 February 1882, Page 3

LARRIKINISM.

To show the extent to which larrikinism has attained in Melbourne, the Argus publishes the statistics of the Police office for ayp>ar, showing 1027 arrests for assault and 2044 for insulting behaviour in Melbourne end suburbs. And it adds :—"lf our sceptical friends are still not convinced as to the serious character of the ruffianism which prevails in this community, perhaps the notes taken from the records of the police hospital from January, ""SSI, to the present time will prove more demonstrative. These notes comprise a list of 24 members of the force admitted to the hospital suffering from injuries at the hands of roughs. In three cases the men were incapacitated from duty, and have been superannuated. Seven constables, admitted since Christinas, now remain in the hospital. If more facta were wanted" (continues the Argus). " we could point to one constable (O'Grady), who some years ago was overpowered by larrikins, and whose leg they stretched over the water channel id Little Bourke street, and whilst a number held him down one fellow deliberately jumped on the limb until he bsbke it ; or to scores of policemen who bear scars representing wounds inflicted by stones, 'sling shot,' and the knife —marks which can never be effaced."